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2024-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT

01332 294 436 info@bosniancentre.org Bosnia & Herzegovina Centre 99 Curzon Street, Derby DE1 1LN

2023 / 2024

DBHCA | Annual Report 2023/2024

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A B O U T U S

Established in 1995, The Derby BosniaHerzegovina Community Association stands as a testament to the power of compassion, community, and the commitment to assisting those in need. Our journey began with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina who sought solace on the shores of the United Kingdom during the challenging 1990s. Formally recognised as a charitable organisation in 1998, our Centre became a symbol of unity and support when officially opened in 2001. Serving as a communal hub for Bosnians and others from ex-Yugoslavia, our doors opened wide to those who sought support during their transition to a new life.

At the heart of our mission is the commitment to assist every asylum seeker and refugee who reaches out for our support. In collaboration with the Derby Refugee Forum, we have cultivated a diverse list of services tailored to address the unique needs of those entrusted to our care. Our offerings include the provision of essential resources such as food parcels and clothing, English language classes, preparation for the theory driving test, support with travel document applications, arrangement of

various appointments, and invaluable insights into career opportunities. In recognising the importance of effective communication, we proudly offer interpreting services facilitated by dedicated volunteers who, having integrated into the community with our support, continue to make a difference.

One distinctive aspect that sets us apart is our commitment to linguistic inclusivity. As the sole Centre of its kind, we provide advice and services not only in Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian languages but also in Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish, Urdu, Punjabi, and a range of other languages. This commitment reflects our belief in the strength of diversity and our dedication to ensuring that no one is left unheard. As we reflect on our journey, we extend our deep gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, and the community. Together, we continue to change lives and embody the spirit of compassion that defines The Derby BosniaHerzegovina Community Association.

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C O M M I T T E E 2 0 2 3 / 2 4

Committee Report

The Committee of the Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Community Association, composed of twelve dedicated members, represents a diverse mix of ages, experiences, and professional backgrounds. With an average age of 42 and a range from 21 to 87, our committee benefits from both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. The committee’s gender balance, with seven men and five women, ensures a variety of perspectives in our decision-making processes. Notably, each member brings lived experience related to our work, deeply aligning with the organization's mission and values.

The current committee members were elected during the most recent Annual General Meeting in December 2023, which welcomed three new members: Sanjin Hamza, Mersad Porovic, and Adna Bjelobrvic. These additions brought fresh ideas and innovation to the organization. Longtime member Ahmo Salkic stepped down to allow for newer voices, while Midhat Kapetanovic, a founding member unable to attend future meetings due to health reasons, was honoured as an honorary committee member.

Mirza Ghounem was re-elected as Chair, Ivan Mihanovic as Vice Chair, and Zoran Rajic continued as Treasurer. In April, however, Ivan stepped down from his role and committee position due to relocation, with Sanjin Hamza stepping in as Vice Chair. Adna also stepped down in October, resulting in a current total of ten committee members.

The committee held four meetings throughout the year with a consistent attendance of seven members per meeting, ensuring a quorum for effective decision-making. The team comprises professionals from various fields, including project management, cybersecurity, healthcare, law, sales, social work, engineering, and finance, providing valuable expertise across multiple domains.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all committee members for their dedication and hard work over the past year. Their commitment and energy have been instrumental in advancing our mission and driving the success of our organization. Thank you for your invaluable contributions.

Our current Management Committee comprises of the following professionals:

  1. Mualja Karahasani , Project Manager at Refugee Action.

  2. Zoran Rajic , Head of Complex Cyber Security Solutions for large multinational companies. Meng (Hons) in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering.

  3. Alma Pasic , a Registered Nurse at the University Hospital of Derby and Burton.

  4. Adna Bjelobrvic , Law student at De Montfort University and a recent legal intern at Duncan Lewis Solicitors.

  5. Sanjin Hamza , an Area Sales Manager with a degree in marketing, advertising, and public relations. Also has a chartered institute of Marketing post graduate diploma.

  6. Haira Halilovic , a retired social worker currently volunteering as an adviser at Derby Refugee Forum.

  7. Mirza Ghounem , an Electromechanical Service Engineer working for a leading manufacturer of automation and robotics systems.

  8. Mersad Porovic , a qualified accountant working for GTT Communications.

  9. Ahmet Halaba , lead engineer at Fischer Farms.

  10. Ivan Mihanovic , self-employed Mechanical Engineer who runs his own car repairs garage.

  11. Muhamed Siranovic , degree in mining and extensive experience as a treasurer for DBHCA and Bosnia UK Network.

  12. Midhat Kapetanovic , a founding member of DBHCA and honorary committee member, provides wisdom and historical context from his 29 years of service.

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C H A I R S U M M A R Y

As the Chair of the Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Community Association I am pleased to reflect on another year of dedication and growth, as we continue to provide crucial support to those most in need. Over the past year, we’ve made great strides in assisting refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable individuals within the community, helping them navigate difficult circumstances through direct services, outreach, and partnerships.

A highlight of the year has been our ability to reach 12,709 visitors to the Bosnian Centre, offering a safe and supportive environment for those seeking help. Our flagship project, Refugees Support Refugees Plus, delivered in collaboration with DRAC, resulted in 3,361 advice sessions—1,133 through the DBHCA and 2,228 through DRAC. These sessions provided muchneeded assistance in a wide range of areas, addressing critical issues such as benefits (781 visits), immigration (692 visits), housing (625 visits), and homelessness (419 visits), among many others.

Our outreach efforts have also expanded, with 291 visits to elderly individuals from the former Yugoslavia, as well as those with mobility issues and mental health challenges. Additionally, 116 outreach sessions were extended to individuals of other ethnicities and nationalities, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and support for all. Through our services, 130 referrals were made to various organizations, ensuring our beneficiaries have access to the specialized help they need.

Immigration support remains one of our core services, and this year we had 671 attendances, out of which 202 were Level 1 OISC Immigration Advice sessions. This work continues to be essential for the many individuals and families facing uncertainty in their immigration status.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our volunteers. Their passion, time, and commitment have been the backbone of our operations. Whether assisting with advice sessions, outreach, or day-to-day support at the Bosnian Centre, they have gone above and

beyond to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer for their invaluable contributions.

Our achievements this year would also not have been possible without the generous support of our funders. We extend our sincere thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund for their support of the Refugees Support Refugees Plus project, as well as to The Tudor Trust (for Health Without Borders), Derby City Council and the UK Government (for Empowerment for Employment and Career Compass), Energy Saving Trust (for Warmer Derby and Derbyshire 3), The Baring Foundation (for The Untold Stories), Community Action Fund (for Breaking Barriers to Sexual Wellness), and The National Lottery Cost of Living Fund (for Thriving on a Tight Budget).

I would also like to highlight our ongoing partnerships with Derby Refugee Forum, Sahahra, Artcore, Marches Energy Agency, Citizens Advice Mid Mercia, and our new partners, Hadhari Project and Derby City Council. These collaborations have been vital in extending our reach and enhancing the services we provide to the community.

As we look ahead, our commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals remains unwavering. We will continue to adapt and grow, ensuring that we meet the changing needs of our community and offer a lifeline to those who need it most.

Mirza Ghounem Chair

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DBHCA | Annual Report 2023/2024

O U R N E T W O R K P A R T N E R D E R B Y R E F U G E E F O R U M |

CHAIR SUMMARY

Derby Refugee Forum has had a really busy and successful year. They have supported 740 individual service users and their families with 2124 face to face sessions for advice. This is the core of our work and it is an essential service for these people. Derby is supporting a huge number of asylum seekers and refugees in housing, hostels and hotels. We are also seeing many street homeless as there continues to be a huge shortage of places available to live once clients get leave to remain and are forced to leave their asylum accommodation. This year I have ordered over 100 sleeping bags and others have been donated to give out to those who have no place to rest their head at night.

The Bosnia Herzegovina Centre has become a social hub where these people can come for fun events, to learn English and maths, to take part in workshops giving information about health issues, housing, British law, create outdoor planters etc. Forty six different nationalities gather together sharing ideas, problems, chatter and supporting each other. It is a delight to be part of that group of people. Drinks and food are always available and it is a warm space where people can relax and meet others. We are lucky to have our workers and volunteers who are so welcoming and make these wonderful things happen.

Our National Lottery Community Fund projects have been really successful over the five year period. This year there have been many activities based around healthcare. We have worked with Richmond Fellowship who provided mental health workshops, Red Cross who taught emergency first aid, the sexual health team and Royal Derby Hospital. We register many clients each year with GPs and dentists.

This year 44 volunteers have given their time to our work.

This year we were devastated by the sudden death of Janet Fuller, one of long standing, most knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers. She is missed so much. Also missed will be Anne Wigley a volunteer with us for about 12 years until her health failed.

We are very grateful to those who have made donations of money, food, clothing and household items to assist those in need. We are delighted that a further Lottery bid means that we can work together for another five years.

Without the Bosnia Herzegovina Association our work would not be possible. Their shared funding bids, generosity in providing space in their beautiful centre, and their encouragement for the work we do for so many vulnerable people, is amazing. I wish you too could hear the heartfelt thanks we receive from so many of our clients.

Workshops have been popular again with 58 sessions for 665 attendees. Parties for Eid, Christmas and visits to Derby County have been particularly enjoyed.

None of the work that we do at Derby Refugee Forum would be possible without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and staff.

Joan Stannard Chairperson and Volunteer Advisor Derby Refugee Forum

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In the fifth and final year of the Refugees Support Refugees Plus project, a collaborative partnership between the Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Community Association and Derby Refugee Forum, we have had a profound impact by prioritising early intervention, community engagement, and strong partnerships. Through a proactive approach, we have prevented crises related to housing and financial instability, as demonstrated by 291 outreach visits and 3,361 advice sessions.

Our Level 1 immigration support eliminated financial barriers to essential Home Office applications, accelerating access to services and enhancing stability for individuals and families in need.

The active involvement of volunteers and community members has been central to our success. Volunteers have established connections with schools, churches, and local groups, expanding access to resources and support. They’ve provided crucial feedback on community needs, helping us tailor our services effectively.

Over 1,600 individuals benefited from our support this year, with more than 12,126 visits to the Bosnia & Herzegovina Centre. Events like International Women’s Day, Eid celebrations, and Bosnian Coffee Nights provided vital social connections, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. These gatherings reinforced our role as a hub for integration and community support.

in homelessness, putting a strain on our resources. To address this, we provided sleeping and essentials despite limited funding, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable support. The departure of three key volunteers impacted our drop-in services, but our recruitment efforts brought in new, dedicated volunteers. However, volunteer burnout and the challenge of finding individuals with the necessary skills persist. Additionally, many clients faced complex, overlapping issues such as legal and financial difficulties, requiring coordinated support. From this, we learned the importance of improving collaboration across organizations to effectively address these multifaceted needs.

Our project has made a lasting difference by focusing on early action, building community resilience, and fostering social connections. Looking ahead, we aim to secure sustainable resources, enhance volunteer support, and deepen our partnerships, ensuring continued, impactful service for our community.

Collaborations with organizations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Marches Energy Agency, Artcore, and local housing providers strengthened our capacity to address diverse needs. Through our partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau and Marches Energy Agency, we supported low-income households with energy conservation and expense management. Our collaboration with Artcore promoted mental well-being for refugees and asylum seekers. Strong relationships with Derby City Council, local care agencies, schools, and health providers ensured that our clients received well-rounded, comprehensive support.

We are deeply grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for funding our project over the past five years and for extending this support for the next five years. This generous commitment has enabled us to provide vital services to those most in need in our community, helping individuals and families overcome challenges, build resilience, and thrive. With this continued support, we can further expand our impact, offering critical assistance to vulnerable community members and working to create a more inclusive, connected, and supportive environment for all. Thank you for empowering us to make a difference.

While we are proud of our achievements, we also faced significant challenges this year. A severe shortage of housing in Derby led to an increase

Nedzad Salkic Executive Operations Manager

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Supplementary School Activities

Over the course of the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 38 supplementary school sessions were held, with an average of 12 children attending each session. Sixteen children were enrolled, and a wide variety of activities, including school trip to enrich the children’s learning experiences.

The program successfully fostered increased self-confidence and cultural competence in participants. It provided comprehensive learning opportunities across various subjects, supporting the development of both mother-tongue proficiency and bilingualism. The children also had the chance to serve as role models, enhancing their leadership skills and selfassurance.

In addition to academic support, the program assisted children with mainstream school, helping bridge educational gaps. Parents were encouraged to take an active role in their child's education, with opportunities to attend activities and discuss their children's progress.

A highlight of the year was in June when our school participated in the traditional supplementary school gathering event in Hertfordshire. This event gave the children the opportunity to stand in front of an audience of a few hundred, where they spoke, sang, and read poems. This experience was invaluable in boosting their confidence from a young age. In December 2023, we continued with our much-loved tradition of throwing a New Year’s celebration for the little ones in our community. It was a fun and festive day filled with laughter. Santa stopped by with presents for all the kids, making it a magical event and bringing everyone closer together.

This project played an essential role in community and social integration, helping families connect and establish a sense of belonging. The active involvement of parents in planning and delivering activities further strengthened the program's impact.

Overall, the Supplementary School activities have proven to be a valuable resource for both the children and their families, providing educational, cultural, and social benefits.

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It’s been three years since we started this project, and a lot of achievements have been made. The main aim was to recruit and train Community Health Educators from disadvantaged communities, for them to transmit reliable information and raise awareness about key health issues to community members, whether it’s friends, families, or anyone else in their community.

By now including another small organisation, we have widened the project to reach more communities. Since our last AGM, we have recruited more CHE (Community Health Educators) and have arranged for different trainings to be conducted. So far, we have completed training such as Mental Health Awareness, Dementia Awareness, Sickle Cells and Lupus Training. All these trainings have widened the knowledge of our CHE’s which means they can recognise symptoms early and refer accordingly. All three organisations have then individually carried out different workshops in accordance with their client base. We at DBHCA have done workshops such as:

Building on the success of last year, we continued our impactful Sexual Health ReEducation project, furthering our efforts to break down barriers and stigmas surrounding sexual health.

We continued with our monthly sexual health drop-in clinic at the B&H Centre, led by Charles Dewa, a Sexual Health Promotion Practitioner. These sessions offered a confidential and supportive space where individuals could ask questions and seek guidance. This year, we expanded the discussions to include topics such as HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention strategies, and steps to take if individuals suspect they may be affected.

·Mental Health – discussed stress awareness, symptoms and how to deal and cope with it

·SV2 (Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence) – spoke of Sexual Domestic Abuse

·Sexual Health Matters - Educating and Informing staff to promote a comprehensive understanding of various aspects related to sexual health. Some of the key components that were covered, Contraception, STI’s, FGM, LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Reproductive Health.

·First Aid workshop – discussing the basics of first aid, how to respond etc

·Derby County Community Trust – health awareness workshops, how to stay fit and healthy

·Hospital feedback workshops with Royal Derby Hospital and PALS.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to this project’s growth and are planning additional training sessions in the upcoming year to further complement and enhance the project outcomes.

were another key focus this year. These refresher sessions enhanced our team’s knowledge of general sexual health, the importance of screenings, identifying signs and symptoms, and how to assist individuals in using self-testing kits. Staff also learned about the variety of kits available and effective ways to signpost clients to additional support.

This ongoing project reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering the community through education, resources, and support in addressing sexual health challenges.

To promote responsible sexual health practices, we also continued to provide resource stations in our centre’s toilets. These stations, stocked with free condoms and lubricants and accompanied by educational posters, ensure our community has access to both practical tools and reliable information. Staff training sessions

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Since its launch in February 2023, the Warmer Derby and Derbyshire 3 (WDD3) project has made significant strides in supporting vulnerable households in Derby and Derbyshire with energy efficiency advice and practical measures to reduce fuel poverty. Over the course of the project, we have conducted numerous home visits and offered personalised guidance on reducing energy consumption and bills. Our team has completed 65 home visits in Year 1 and an impressive 26 visits just in the first quarter of Year 2, providing essential services to households from diverse communities.

The introduction of Warm Packs made possible through the Community Matters Fund (National Grid), helped improve household warmth and reduce energy bills. Furthermore, we have achieved substantial savings for our service users through energy-saving measures such as bulb replacements, draught-proofing and successful applications for financial support schemes. We also hosted energy-saving workshops and dropin sessions to help households manage their energy use and debts. Through our home visits, we have gained crucial insights into the living conditions and

We are immensely grateful to The National Lottery Cost of Living Fund for their generous grant of £22,902, which enabled the successful delivery of the "Thriving on a Tight Budget" project. This funding allowed us to support 1,075 individuals. With this support, we alleviated financial strain for many in our community. We distributed 254 food parcels to 208 households, £3,000 worth of Aldi gift cards, and £4,800 worth of Primark vouchers, helping individuals manage their expenses and prioritise essential bills. The funding also allowed us to extend the hours of our volunteer coordinator, leading to the recruitment of five new volunteers, who contributed to enhanced service delivery.

challenges faced by many of our clients. A common issue is the poor state of housing, where homes are difficult to keep warm due to a lack of insulation, and some clients even resort to using bed sheets as draught-proofing. These conditions often leave people unaware of available support, such as government grants for new boilers, small practical measures we can provide or referrals for Energy Support Scheme. We learned that many clients do not know how to check and send meter readings, contributing to inaccurate bills and higher costs. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how small, practical changes, like switching to LED bulbs, can help reduce energy consumption. A significant takeaway has been that practical demonstrations are much more effective than simply sharing information, especially in overcoming language barriers. These learnings emphasise the importance of support and education in empowering clients to take control of their energy usage and reduce their bills.

With the project nearing its conclusion, we are proud of the impact we have made and remain committed to further supporting our community as winter approaches.

manage high energy bills and ensuring the sustainability of our services. We were also able to distribute 31 additional sleeping bags to those experiencing homelessness, providing comfort and support while we worked with local authorities to secure stable housing solutions. Overall, the funding has made a significant difference, addressing immediate needs and strengthening our organisation's ability to deliver lasting impact. We extend our heartfelt thanks to The National Lottery Cost of Living Fund for their invaluable support.

Additionally, we provided travel assistance for essential appointments, easing the burden of transportation costs for those in need. Training for staff and volunteers was another key focus, improving our capacity to meet the diverse needs of the community. The funding also contributed to operational costs, helping us

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In March 2024, we successfully completed the first phase of our UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) project, Employment for Empowerment. This initiative has been a remarkable success, with outcomes that not only met but, in most cases, exceeded our targets. Our focus for this project was employability, which we successfully achieved.

Throughout this project, we have managed to get 11 participants into employment. 24 participants were able to gain a qualification by completing a course and 13 participants achieved a vocational qualification/license such as the Community Interpreting L2, which was a fully accredited course. Six participants have managed to find voluntary work in different areas such as retail and admin. One participant, earlier on in the project, managed to achieve Level 2 in Hygiene Certificate which enabled her to get a job in a restaurant. We successfully engaged 64 participants through this project where our total was 41.

These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of our approach in empowering participants and enhancing their employability prospects.

Following the success of our initial UKSPF project, we were awarded an additional year of funding to launch the Careers Compass project. This initiative continues to focus on employment and is already delivering positive outcomes.

To date, we have supported two individuals in securing employment and facilitated vocational training for four participants who completed the requirements for the SIA Badge. These participants are now awaiting their badges to begin employment in the security sector.

We have also extended our ESOL program from the previous year, welcoming new participants eager to enhance their language skills. While the project is still underway, we are on track to achieve all set outcomes and outputs,

demonstrating steady progress toward our goals. We plan to offer another round of the highly sought-after Community Interpreting Level 2 course.

Additionally, our one-to-one support sessions in CV writing and job search remain incredibly popular. These sessions provide participants with essential skills such as interview techniques, improving CVs from basic to professional standards, and identifying job opportunities aligned with their qualifications and experience.

Our focus remains on empowering participants to succeed in their career aspirations and building on the momentum of our ongoing success.

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The Untold Stories project continued to thrive, offering a welcoming space where participants of all ages could explore self-expression through art. In December 2023, we celebrated with a Christmas-themed arts & crafts session, bringing warmth and creativity to the season. The new year began with three engaging art sessions in January, followed by another three sessions in April 2024.

Throughout these gatherings, participants found peace and connection in artistic way of expressing. The process fostered a therapeutic environment where individuals could openly share, creating a strong sense of community. The positive impact of these sessions remains evident as participants repeatedly express how the creative process brings them comfort, confidence, and joy.

In Year 5 of the Lottery funded project, we conducted 291 Outreach Visits, providing vital support to former Yugoslavian elderly, immobile individuals, and those with mental health challenges.

These visits served over 600 attendances, often supporting multiple family members. Outreach reached 94 individuals, with visits lasting an average of 2 hours, totalling 593 hours (excluding travel). Of these, 160 visits were home-based, whilst 131 took place primarily at GP surgeries and hospitals for interpreting and other support.

Weekly visits averaged 5.6, a decrease from 8.4 in Year 4, yet we continued to deliver impactful support, including assisting a homebound client with regular shopping, hospital appointments, and transitioning to a

care home. Outreach also targeted loneliness and isolation, helping clients stay emotionally engaged and improving their mental well-being. We organised 87 social gatherings, including Eid, International Women’s Day, and Bosnian Night, attended by up to 100 people. Our services supported various communities:

Challenges for Roma families often involved health, benefits, and literacy issues, highlighting the ongoing need for digital education. Outreach visits continue to ensure community connection and address critical needs.

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In 2023 and 2024, we held a range of workshops and events as part of our many projects, including some that were organised in partnerships with Derby Refugee Advice Centre, Artcore and Marches Energy Agency.

OCTOBER 2023

Gardening Club

Halloween Event

Bosnian Night

Sexual Health Drop-In Clinic

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NOVEMBER 2023

Managing Wellbeing For Our Mental Health

Self-Care With Lush

DECEMBER 2023

Christmas Crafts with Artcore

Christmas Party at the Bosnian Centre

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Annual General Meeting December 2023

JANUARY 2024

HMD: Srebrenica Memorial Event

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DBHCA | Annual Report 2023/2024

FEBRUARY 2024

Self-Care With Lush

Untold Stories Art Sessions

MARCH 2024

International Women’s Day

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APRIL 2024

Eid Celebration With The Bosnian Community

JUNE 2024

Eid Party With Our Service Users

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JULY 2024

Srebrenica Memorial Day

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F I N A N C E S

DERBY BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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F I N A N C E O V E R V I E W

Income

This year, our income grew by 55% to £281,599, with 89% coming from grants. Key funders included the National Lottery Community Fund, Tudor Trust, Energy Saving Trust, Derby City Council, Barring Foundation, Cost of Living Fund, and NHS/Community Action Fund. The remaining 11% came from invoiced income, donations, fundraising, and subscriptions. This diverse funding highlights our

commitment to financial sustainability and reflects our continued growth and stability.

Expenditure

While income grew by 55%, expenditure rose by 30%, with 61% allocated to salaries and associated costs, reflecting our investment in a skilled team, and 39% covering operational and project expenses. Financial oversight by Derby Community Accountancy Services

confirmed compliance with best practices, and our Annual Return will be submitted after the AGM. We are pleased with our financial performance, driven by diverse income streams and prudent management. This ensures responsible stewardship and positions us for continued stability and growth.

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12,709 1,133 Visitors Advice Sessions

116 Outreach Visits to individuals and families with other ethnicities and nationalities

29 Referrals

10 Staff and Volunteer Trainings

254 Food Parcels Distributed

7 Partnerships

7 Funders

808 Facebook Followers

165 Instagram Followers

174

£1,520 Worth of Primark and Aldi Vouchers Provided

Balkan Families and Individuals Supported Face-To-Face

19 Befriending Sessions

86

Balkan Individuals Supported with MedicalRelated Issues

291 Outreach Visits to Former Yugoslavia families and individuals

202

Level 1 OISC Immigration Advice Sessions

14,900 Facebook Reach

129 Interpreting Sessions

82

Gas and ElectricityRelated Sessions

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33 72 191 ea =4 People Were Calls on Behalf of Forms Filled-In Supported With Clients Emailing On Their Behalf

90 43 Benefit-Related Community Sessions Gatherings and Events

38 Bosnian Supplementary School Sessions

Most Viewed Content on Social Media:

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Community International
Food Parels Interpreting Course Women’s Day
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30 Letters Written On Behalf Of Clients

21 People Supported With Bills/Utilities Issues

17 Referrals for Energy Support Scheme and Household Support Scheme

48 HousingRelated Sessions

10

Individuals Supported With Education

12

Individuals Supported With Letter Translation

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One of the most visited Centres by Refugees and Asylum Seekers, as the Centre is very welcoming and friendly with their visitors. Also, it provides lots of help to the new arrivals and those who need advice and support. Initially, I joined the Centre as a volunteer at the reception for more than 3 years, and it was the first step to learning about the work environment in the UK. The Centre was so helpful and supported me in getting a home, which was a second step of my life in the UK.

Ahmed

This is a beautiful place that helps people. Staff is helpful and I like everyone. I’m thankful for this wonderful Centre. Thank you very much everyone.

Anwar

Bosnia & Herzegovina Centre is the best place for people who need help and struggle with problems. They try to make a welcoming place for them. As a volunteer, I have had an amazing experience at this place. I found many friends and learnt many things from them. This place gave me confidence to contribute and communicate with people. Since I started to work, I’ve learnt many things, such as how to help people and how to make a warm and comfortable place for them.

Mojgan

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Friendly, extremely helpful people who do not judge and will do everything in their power to help anybody regardless of race, creed or colour in a safe environment. From form filling, English lessons or help find work, these people are amazing.

Tania

This Centre has been helpful for a lot of people. I have received a lot of helpful information and I found out about my rights in the UK. Thank you for your help!

Moussa

I always come here to solve my problems. The staff have helped me with my problems and I am coming for English classes here. Everything here is great!

Salah

The Centre is very helpful for refugees and asylum seekers. It’s like home where people can find support, love and care. I am a volunteer and I am very glad to be part of the team. I am involved in assisting in trainings, English classes and workshops on different topics. I feel honoured to be here as I can be part of giving hope to people in need. The atmosphere in the Centre and devotion of the staff and volunteers to the people coming for help brings forward human values as a priority.

Susanna

OUR MISSION AND VISION

Our mission is to provide support and confidential service to alleviate the effects of poverty, sickness and distress of refugees from the Former Yugoslavia and the rest of the world, regardless of their ethnic origin and background. We believe that all refugees have the right to live in a just and equal society. We aim to achieve this by providing information, support, training and educational opportunities for all of them.

We would like to express our gratitude to :

Aims and Objectives

  - **Derby Refugee Forum**

  - **Our Staff and Volunteers**

A special thank you goes to our funders:

Your support keeps our organisation progressing and allows us to help countless of people in need of our services. Thank you for understanding our vision behind each project.

With the help of our funders, we as an organisation have extended the range of services we provide, and we hope to continue to do so in the future.

Contact Us

The Derby Bosnia-Herzegovina Community Association is a charity registered organisation. Registered number in England and Wales is 1071955.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Centre 99 Curzon Street Derby DE1 1LN t: +44 (0)1332 294 436 e: info@bosniancentre.org w: www.bosniancentre.org

Derby Bosnia-Hercegovina Community Association Statement of Financial Activity (01.09.2023 - 31.08.2024)

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B-H Comm. National Tudortrust ART Core SANA TNL COL Energy Re NHS Fund UK SPF
Centre Lottery Fund Fund Untold Story Project Fund Address Sex. Health Fund TOTAL
No restrc. Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restrict. Restrict. Restricted Restricted
2022/2023
£ R E C E I P T S £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
88,000.00 Big Lottery Funding 0.00 96184.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 96184.00
34,600.00 The Tudor Trust Fund 0.00 0.00 40000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 40000.00
2272.00 Artcore - The Untold Stories 0.00 0.00 0.00 2272.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2272.00
4,757.00 CAF Sexual Health 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4780.00 0.00 4780.00
0.00 EFIF Partnership DCC 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
9736.24 Energy Redress Project 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 35505.28 0.00 0.00 35505.28
0.00 UK SPF 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 48131.00 48131.00
3,750.00 ESF Futures Round 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 TNL Cost of Living 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 22902.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 22902.00
0.00 SANA Project 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3365.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3365.40
9,183.86 Subscriptions-Room rent 400.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 400.00
5,259.39 Contract - Income generated 7219.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7219.00
13,868.38 Fundrising - Miscellaneous 20839.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20839.59
171,426.87 I n c o m e 28,458.59 96,184.00 40,000.00 2,272.00 3,365.40 22,902.00 35,505.28 4,780.00 48,131.00 281,598.27
DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
140,951.94 Salaries & Associated cost 1410.00 73037.56 23543.11 0.00 0.00 5691.84 28308.41 2359.40 38636.47 172986.79
0.00 Recruitment Cost 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2,165.42 Travel for volunteers & staff 0.00 643.20 0.00 0.00 3365.40 601.30 50.00 0.00 113.70 4773.60
2,170.75 Beneficiaries travel epenses 0.00 1123.74 2499.25 0.00 0.00 118.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 3741.69
47.70 Training for volunteers&staff 0.00 40.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1800.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1840.00
1,149.89 Telephone-fax-web cost 0.00 1022.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1022.38
2,646.12 Freelance, mentor, manag fees 0.00 890.00 150.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1040.00
2,675.20 Stationary 0.00 1123.88 140.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 437.18 1701.54
93.10 Postage-Stamps 0.00 400.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 400.00
144.00 Evaluation & consult.fees 0.00 72.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 72.00
2,472.67 General Maintenance cost 0.00 3734.92 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3734.92
1,357.12 Rent&Room Equipment Hire 0.00 504.49 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 504.49
7,379.30 Office & General Equipment 0.00 397.93 579.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 835.10 1813.02
0.00 Learning Materials 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 Insurances 0.00 3346.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3346.38
429.33 Council Tax & disp.-certif. 0.00 349.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 349.52
5,713.46 Heating & Lighting & Water 0.00 2352.64 500.00 2.65 0.00 900.00 917.62 710.72 2340.46 7724.09
0.00 Membership and Donations 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
331.99 Publicity&Information. cost 0.00 320.31 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 320.31
6,327.52 Other Related cost-COVID-19 0.00 1437.56 4721.76 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6159.32
7,612.94 Sundries (Miscleaunos) 6193.15 3288.49 341.03 10.00 0.00 13790.16 584.32 362.37 0.00 24569.52
183,668.45 Expenditure 7603.15 94085.00 32475.62 12.65 3365.40 22902.00 29860.35 3432.49 42362.91 236099.57
400.00 Cost of generating Funds 0.00 2100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2100.00
2,980.00 Management & administtration 0.00 0.00 5524.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5524.38
0.00 Creditors 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
187,048.45 Total Expenditure 7603.15 96185.00 38000.00 12.65 3365.40 22902.00 29860.35 3432.49 42362.91 243723.95
0.00
-15,621.58 Surplus/(Deficit) for year 20855.44 -1.00 2000.00 2259.35 0.00 0.00 5644.93 1347.51 5768.09 37874.32
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
379,849.49 Fund balance brought forw. 406285.92 0.00 0.00 -833.06 0.00 0.00 -6236.68 3203.80 -22570.49 379849.49
0.00 Transfer between Funds 1604.35 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1605.35 0 0.00
364,227.91 Fund balance carried forw. 428745.71 0.00 2000.00 1426.29 0.00 0.00 -591.75 2945.96 -16802.40 417723.81
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Balance Sheet for year - ended 31 August Balance Sheet for year - ended 31 August 2023
£ £ £
0.00 Fixed Assets
300,000.00 Building (at cost) 0.00 300000.00
0.00 less depreciation 0.00 0.00
300000.00
Current Assets
79549.49 Balance at Bank 117424.81
300.00 Petty Cash 300.00
0.00 Debtors 25070.74
**379849.49 ** Total Asset Value 442795.55
0.00 Liabilities 0.00
0.00 Creditors 0.00
**379849.49 ** Total Net Assets 442795.55
C U R R E N T F I N A N C E S
-26,436.43 Restricted Funds -11417.55
406,285.92 Unrestricted Funds 447141.36
379,849.49 435723.81

Derby Bosnia-Hercegovina Community Association

N o t e s t o t h e A c c o u n t s

Note 1 Restricted Fund Income Bal B/Fwd Total Expedtiture Transfer Balance
Grant National Lottery Comm. Fund 96184.00 0.00 96184.00 96185.00 0 -1.00
consisted Tudor Trust 40000.00 0.00 40000.00 38000.00 0 0.00
of Artcore - The Untold Stories 2272.00 -833.06 1438.94 12.65 0 1426.29
TNL Cost of Living 22902.00 0.00 22902.00 22902.00 0 0.00
Energy Re-address Project 35505.28 -6236.68 29268.60 29860.35 0 -591.75
NHS Sexual Health Project 4780.00 3203.80 7983.80 3432.49 0 4551.31
UK SPF Project 48131.00 -22570.49 25560.51 42362.91 0 -16802.40
ESF Futures Round 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0.00
Total restricted Funds 249774.28 -26436.43 223337.85 232755.40 0.00 -11417.55
Note 2 No restricted Fund Income Bal B/Fwd Total Expenditure Transfer Balance
Comm. Subscriptions-Sundries 400.00 16918.43 17318.43 6193.15 0 11125.28
Money DBHCS - addit. contract I.G. 6000.00 10379.76 16379.76 0.00 0 16379.76
Contract - Income generated 1219.00 29989.17 31208.17 0.00 0 31208.17
Fundrising - Donations - Ref. 20839.59 18698.56 39538.15 1410.00 0 38128.15
SANA Project 3365.40 0.00 3365.40 3365.40 0 0.00
Petty Cash 0.00 300.00 300.00 0.00 0 300.00
Reserves Restricted 0.00 30000.00 30000.00 0.00 20000 50000.00
Building at Cost of: 0.00 300000.00 300000.00 0.00 0 300000.00
Total No restricted 31823.99 406285.92 438109.91 10968.55 20000.00 447141.36
Reserves - Restricted by funders -11,417.55
Balance - Unrestricted (Building + B-H Associ.) 447141.36
Reserves Designated - Critical running Cost BH Centre 50,000.00
B-H Centre - Building at cost 300,000.00
Reserves unrestricted-BH Community 97,141.36
Total Reserves at the end of year 2024 August 135,723.81
Free reserves at the End 2024 August 85,723.81
Signed by: Treasurer Chairman Vice Chair
Zoran Rajic Mirza Ghounem Sanjin Hamza

DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR

31 AUGUST 2024

Charity Number 1071955

DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Contents , Page
Independent Examiner’s Report 1
Receipts and Payments Account 2
Statement of Assets and Liabilities - 3
NotestotheAccounts 4-6

DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Derby Bosnia Hercegovina Community Association.

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 which are set out on pages 2 to 6.

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

1 | iN wiOnvey V2) up ZOOL Mark Newey ACMA Date Derby Community Accountancy Service Babington Lodge 128 Green Lane Derby DE1 IRY

DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

é

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31° 2024

2023 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
Total Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
Income
143115 Grants noted 3366 249774 253140
5259 Donations & invoiced income 7219 0 7219
995 Subscriptions 400 0 400
32057 Fundraising& Miscellaneous fale 20840 0 20840
181427 31825 249774 281599
Charitable Expenditure
144928 Salaries & Associated Costs 1410 147115 148525
4336 Travel Expenses 3365 5491 8856
48 Training 0 1840 1840
1940 Telephone 0 1311 1311
974 Fees 0 30969 30969
2768 Postage and stationery 0 3112 3112
2473 Maintenance 0 5682 5682
7626 Office Equipment 0 2318 2318
3108 Insurance & tax 0 3346 3346
4920 Electricity gas, water 0 6323 6323
12735 Sundries note 3 4589 24264 28853
185856 9364 231770 241134
732 Cost ofGeneratingFunds 0 2100 2100
460 Managing& administering the charity 0 490 490
187048 Total Expenditure 9364 234360 243724
-5622 Surplus/(Deficit) for year 22460 15415 37875
0 Transfer Between Funds 0 0 0
85471 Funds BroughtForward 106286 -26437 79849
79849 ClosingBalance 128746 -11022 117724

DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024

==> picture [356 x 493] intentionally omitted <==

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2023 2024
£ £
Fixed Assets
300000 Building note 300000
0 Depreciation "°4 0
300000 300000
Current Assets
75549 Balance at Bank 117424
300 Cash 300
0 Debtors nies 25071
75849 142795
Liabilities
2045 Creditors Stes 0
373805 Total Net Assets 442795
Zo Bi ( 70. j2.2eey
Treasurer Date
20:12.2Q2ZY
ir Date
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DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

Note1

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|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Grants|consisted|of:-|‘| |2024|2023| |'|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total| |£|£|£|£| |National|Lottery Community Fund|0|96184|96184|88000| |The|Tudor Trust Fund|0|40000|40000|34600| |Energy Re Address|0|35505|35505|9736| |Art Core|0|2272|2272|pee| |NHS|0|4780|4780|4757| |UK SPF|0|48131|48131|0| |TNL Cost of Living|0|22902|22902|0| |SANA Project|3366|0|3366|0| |ESF|Futures Round|5|0|0|0|3750| |3366|249774|253140|143115|

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||| |---|---| |Note2| |Fundraising &|Miscellaneous|

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|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |2024|2023| |£|£| |Refunds|4494|18189| |Fundraising and|sundry|16346|13868| |20840|32057| |Note3| |Sundry|costs| |2024|2023| |z|£| |Other Projects|related|costs|16928|5255| |Other|sundry costs|11925|7480| |28853|12735|

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DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

Note 4
Fixed Assets
° Building
z
Cost as at September Ist2023 300000
Additions during the year 0
Cost as atAugust 31st2024 300000
Depreciation as at September Ist2023 0
Charge forthe year 0
Total depreciation as atAugust 31st2024 0
Net value as atAugust 31st2024 300000
Note 5
Debtors 2024 2023
£ £
UK SPF Project 25071 0
Note 6
Creditors 2024 2023
£ £
HMRC 0 2045

DERBY BOSNIA HERCEGOVINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

Note7

Note77
,
Restricted funds consisted of:-
Transfer
Opening
Balance
=
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Between
Funds
£
Closing
Balance
£
National LotteryCommunityFund
The Tudor TrustFund
ESF FuturesRound 5
EnergyReAddress
ArtCore
NHS
UKSPFProject
TNLCost ofLiving
0
0
0
-6237
-833
3204
-22570
0
-26437
96184
40000
0
35505
2272
4780
48131
22902
249774
96184
38000
0
29860
13
5037
42363
22902
234360
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2000
0
-592
1426
2947
-16802
0
-11022

Restricted funds consisted of:-

The fund balances for UK SPF Project and Energy Re Address will be re-imbursed to Derby Bosnia Hercegovina Community Association in the next financial year,