RAY (Refugee Action York) (Registered Charity Number: 1154065) Trustees. Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Charity accounts independent examination services
RAY (Refugee Action York) (Registered Charity Number: 1154065) Contents Index Page Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts
Trustees, Annual Report From: 0110412024 To: 3110312025 Charity's full name RAY (Refugee Action York) Registered Charity number 1154065 Objectives and activities Summary of the purposes of the charity set out in its governing document To advance education and relieve financial hardship amongst migrants, those seeking asylum and those granted refugee status, particularly by the provision of advice and guidance. To advance the education of the public in general about the tssues relattng to refugees and those seeking asylum. Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts We have continued to run our Hub gatherings once a month, celebrating different cuFtures each time we meet, and with varying information sessions and activities also on offer. The coffee mornings are a weekly bNO-hour drop-in session hosted by York St John University, with an enhanced offer of ESOL support through University staff and volunteers. We also partner with Citizens Advice York (CAY) to have an Outreach Advisor available for appointments at every session. Each family or individual we support is allocated a Project Worker, who meets with them for an initial assessment of their needs and can then provide appropriate help, support or referrals to appropriate agencies (eg financial help or budgeting support, mental health support or referral, immigration advice, housing need). RAY provides weekly Youth Group and sports sessions and mentoring for young people, as well as classes in Arabic, Ukrainian and Turkish, including some at GCSE and A Level. Through our Befriending Project RAY offered both initial intensive practical support and longer-term befriending and integration support to respond to the user-identified needs of seprfice users. We also continue to offer English conversation practice either in small groups led by a volunteer, or on a one-to-one basis with a volunteer. Our Swimming Project has offered the opportunity for anyone who cannot swim to learn to be safe in the water, either through group sessÈons organized solely for RAY service users, or through a funded place at general swimming lessons. We continue to use our Hardship fund to support families and individuals who have no recourse to public funds, or who have a specific need such as winter coats or shoes. We hold 3 drop-in sessions per week specifically for asylum seekers who are living in a local hotel. Vve offer an initial needs assessment, with referrals to appropriate agencÉes (eg foodbank, legal advice, mental health support); English conversation group. crafts & board games; health and wellbeing information sessions and activities" giveaway sessions of donated items such as toys/school uniformltoiEetries' and a chance to socialise with others from the hotel and RAY volunteers.
We held a monthly Women's Project focusing on health and wellbeing, with Énformation sessions on women's health topics, craft activities, and provision of lunch. This year we also introduced a fortnightly Men's evening session, including snooker and pool, darts, chess, dominoes, cards and FIFA video football. The games are keenly contested, and coffee and tea are shared along with lively conversation. The trustees consider that they have complied with their duties to have due regard to the public benefit gurdance publFshed by the Chartty Commission. Achievements and performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity's work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. In 2024125 RAY supported around 1,300 asylum seekers and refugees. Last year this figure was around 1,000, and only six years ago it was around 150. As an organisation we have continued to expand rapidly, learning to be responsive and flexible to meet the level of need and new challenges we face arising from different global and political situations. Through our various sepdtces this year: At least 32 sepdice users have had the benefit of various referrals to foodbank, RAY hardship fund, benefits advice, community furniture store, other Funds such as Fuel Poverty or School Uniform funds, DigÈtal Inclusion projects, and bikes. 9 service users were supported on enhancing their Cvs and assisting with preparation forjob applications and intepdiews. 58 service users took up votunteerÈng opportunities within RAY'S different services. During this year 2 sepdÉce users joined the Trustee Board - bringing the number of Trustees wrth lived experience to 4. Staff have worked with individuals on accessing housing and registering onto the Local authority social housing scheme. Being matched with a volunteer befriender has led to reduced isolation, and improved integration into the local community, as well as increased confidence in accessing new services, and a greater general sense of wellbeing. It has also enabled other needs of the serrfice user to be picked up at an early stage, so that RAY staff could help or refer to the appropriate agencylorganisation. 20 families have benefited from this project. 60 people have attended workshops/talks this year, and 60 people have attended our English conversation session at coffee morning. 24 feedback forms were completed and collected during some of the sessions: 100 % of people of respondents said that they were satisfied with the format of the coffee morning and 88 % said they were satisfied with their level of English. An average of 38 people per week attended our English conversation session specifically for asylum seekers, including fortnightly workshops or talks on various health and wellbeing topics.
54 young people regularly attended youth or sports club, and 10 had a volunteer mentor to support them regularly in an area of their choice (eg homework, job hunting or further education applications) 4 young people achieved GCSE in Arabic, 5 young people have undertaken a voluntary work placement. 23 children and young people, and 12 adults have participated in regular swimming lessons. In December we held a Christmas party in partnership with the Refugee Council. Approximately 90 asylum seekers attended, Father Christmas gave out presents donated by York Cares, Girl Guides, Trilogy Toys, Millthorpe School and St Oswald's Church Fulford. The children did Christmas themed craft activities and played games, and everyone received a party bag of food. On tnternatFonal Women's Day by popular demand we repeated the drumming workshop held last year, which 33 women enjoyed. Service user views: Feedback forms were reviewed of the monthly Hub sessions. Comments included: Enjoyed going to the Hub to meet friends, socialise, speak with volunteers and practice English speaking. Good to chat with others in my own language as well as practise English. Helped to understand informal'on related to the police. Being made to feel welcome even if not attending on a regular basis, Gaining increased confidence in managing child's online safety. "We come to the Hub because both me and my husband are sociable people so this is important for us to have that opportunity. I don't want the children to forget the Arabic language and culture; RAY encourages them to keep their own identity and celebrate it rather than hide it" Syrian service user Feedback from Youth: "I like to play football. I like switching between different games. Playing the same thing for a long time becomes borrng for me. I like the format of the club because it offers a variety of activities. My favourite is football, but l also enjoy playing chess and just chatting with everyone." "It is good to make new friends at RAY. We speak to each other, I like to have different conversations and share what is important to me. We have recently moved, and I have little social interaction in the new place. That's why l attend every club. l just don't want to sit at home on my phone; it's boring." What our young people say about their language classes: I really like these Ukrainian language lessons because I don't have many opportunities to communicate in my native language, which makes them essential." "I love learning Arabic because it helps me speak wtth my grandparents and understand stories they tell from back home. It's also cool to read and write in a language that has a special alphabet, and I feel proud knowing I'm connecting with my culture. One day, I want to read all the amazing books written in Arabic and maybe even teach my friends what I've learned!"
Volunteering. A Ukrainian sepdice user, O, was introduced to St Leonard's Hospice by RAY and is currently volunteering his time and skills in their Donation Centre, receiving and sorting donations for the St Leonard's shops. O's granddaughter helped him to share his experience: Hello! My name is O, l am a volunteer at St Leonard's Hospice. I have been living in York for two years already and have had other volunteering experiences, such as gardening. The organisation Refugee Action York that supports me and my family, helped me to find a volunteering opportunity with St Leonard's. l am now helping at the retail donation centre. It's helping me because I can communicate with other volunteers and Émprove my English skÈlls. l am grateful for this experience as I feel useful and that it's an important cause." Financial review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the period During the financial year 2024-25 RAY received income of £426,783, which was an increase of 54 % from the previous year. Two new two-year charitable grants and additional one-off grant funding from the local authority improved RAY'S medium term sustainability, after a financial deficit in the prior year. Donations increased by 5 % as a result of one-off gifts in addition to regular donations. Expenditure rematned at a similar level to the prior year, totallÈng £326,522 and reflecting the continued high level of demand for RAY'S services, RAY continues to seek funding from diverse sources and from a mixture of multi-year and individual grants. Generous donations from the public provide vital unrestricted funds, allowtng RAY to respond with agility to global events that cause people to seek refuge and asylum tn the UK and, ultimately, York. Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held The charity relies on grants and donations to meet its objectives. RAY has a policy of holding a level of unrestricted reserves in order to be able to fund operating expenditure for three to six months, should grants and other funding obtained not be sufficient to maintatn services and react flexibly to external events in the short term. The trustees have designated a small fund to ensure that reseNes remain available for hardship payments to those most in need. Amount of reserves held At the year end RAY held reserves of £310,774, 99 % of which was held Én cash. Approxiately 72 % of total resereS represented restricted funds, monies given to RAY for specific purposes. The charity held unrestricted resep¢es of £76,560 at 31 March 2025, equivalent to 2.8 months of expenditure, which is slightly below the desired range. Reasons for holding zero reserves NIA Funds materially in deficit NIA Explanation of any uncertainties about the Gharity continuing as a going concern N/A
Additional information RAY'S existence and success is enabled by the generous support of indÈviduals, community groups, businesses and trusts, both within York and from further afÈeld. The Board of Trustees takes this opportunity to recognise and thank everyone who has contributed to RAY'S funding in 2024-25, without whom the services and support provided to seNice users wouEd simply not be possible. Structure overnance and mana ement Description of the charity's trusts Type of governing document Constitution How the charity is constituted cio Trustee selection methods including New trustees are appointed by members at the Annual General details of any constitutional MeetFng provisions Reference and administration details Charity's full name RAY (Refugee Action York) Charity's principal address clo Clifton Children's Centre Kingsway North York Postcode Y030 6JA Names of the trustees who manage the charity Trustee name Office (if any> David Croft Rachel Bateson Map¢da Dorai Annette Maas Valentin Muhire Mary Mccormack Angela Creswick Hussni Nakeshbandi Iryna Martynyuk-Lototska Chair Treasurer 07.01.25-31.03.25 07.01.25-31.03.25 Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report and Accounts Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature Full Name Position Date vib ed411 ¢ IÉ 1 2& OFT
Independent examlnerfs report to the trustees of Refugee Action York I report on the accounts of; RAY (Refugee Action York) for the year ended. 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 18. This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examination work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responslbllity to anyone other than the Charlty and the Charlty's Trustees as a body, for my independent examination work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed. Responsiblllties and basis of report 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 CIO'S accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material Matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: I l.accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2 the accounts do not accord with those records 3 the accounts do not comply WFth 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 3.the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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. 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. Jeff Todd (FCA) Date: Outsource Independent Examination Services 24 First Avenue York Y0317YQ
RAY (Refugee Action York) Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended: 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Note funds funds funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Income and endowments from: Grants, donations and legacies Trading actsvities Investments 60,797 993 21 1,625 363,347 425,769 993 21 275,900 1,975 21 Totsl income 61,811 1,625 363,347 426,783 277,896 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 1,530 49,391 1,530 324,992 2,188 329,275 2,045 273,556 Total expenditure 50,921 2,045 273,556 326,522 331,463 Net incomel(expenditure) 10,890 (420) 89,791 100,261 (53,567) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds 10,890 {420) 89,791 100,261 {53,567) Total funds brought forward 65,670 9,823 135,020 210,513 264,080 Total funds carried forward 76,560 9,403 224,811 310,774 210,513
RAY (Refugee Action York) Balance Sheet as at: 31 March 2025 Note 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible assets 1,920 1,920 2,807 2,807 Total fixed assets Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand 308,910 206,776 Debtors & prepayments 4,721 4,578 Total current assets 313,631 211,354 Current Liabilities: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals (4,777) (4,777 (3,648) (3,648 Total current liabilities Net Assets 310,774 210,513 Funds of the Charity Unrestrscted Funds (General) Designated Funds 10 76,560 9,403 65,670 9,823 10 Restricted Funds 10 224,811 135,020 Total Funds carried fonvard 10 & 11 310,774 210,513 The financial statements were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by: R(+Ctrk&L @KI&& Trustee Date: I s. 01. 202É
RAY (Refugee Action York) Notes to the accounts for the year ended: 31 March 2025 1 Basis of preparation 1.1 Basis of accounting The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and the 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 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). 1.2 Change of basis of accounting and previous accounts There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year. 1.3 Change to previous accounts No changes have been made to accounts for previous years. 2 Accounting policies Income and endowments Recognition of income Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when: the charity becomes entitled to the resources. receipt is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Incoming resources with related expenditure Where incoming resources have related expenditure, the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA. Grants and donations Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has evidence of entitlement to the resources and receipt is probable. Volunteer help The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees, annual report. Expenditure and Liabilities Expenditure Charitable activities Charitable activities expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity Èn the delivery of its activities and services. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activitÉes and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Assets Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charkty on receipt. DeprecÉation is charged at the rate of 200/0 on the straight line basÉs. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds are funds which are earmarked by the trustees for a particular purpose and can be formally undesignated and returned to unrestricted funds. Restricted funds are funds which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor. 10
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RAY (Refugee Action York) Notes to the accounts for the year ended: 31 March 2025 5 Trustee expenses & examination fees 5.1 Trustee expenses No trustees received a remuneration for serdices rendered during the year, nor were any trustees, out of pocket expenses reimbursed. 2025 2024 5.2 Fees for examination of the accounts Independent Examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees paid to the Independent Examiner 650 600 6 Paid Employees 2025 2024 6.1 Staff costs Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind Employer's National Insurance costs Employer's Pension costs 235,942 14,067 5,678 255 687 230,075 13,483 5,617 249 175 Total staff costs 6.2 Average number of full time equivalent employees by department 2025 2024 Charitable Activtties Total 7 Tangible fixed assets ICT and office equipment Total 7.1 Cost or valuation Balance blfvid 7,608 7,608 Additions Disposals 1,741 (1,175) 1,741 (1,175) Balance clfwd 8,174 8,174 7.2 Depreciation Balance blfwd 4,801 4,801 Charge for year Disposals 1,602 (149) 1,602 (149) Balance clfwd 6,254 6,254 7.3 Net book value Brought forward 2,807 2,807 Carried fonmard 1,920 1,920 13
8 Debtors and prepayments Analysis of debtors Amounts falling due within one year Grants receivable Gift aid Prepayments and accrued income 2025 2024 991 3,050 680 4721 3,736 842 4578 Totsl 9 Creditors and accruals Analysis of creditors Amounts falling due within one year Creditors Accruals and deferred income 2025 2024 3,672 1,105 4777 3,048 600 3648 Total 14
10 Movement of funds 10.1 Movement of major funds 2025 Balance blfwd Incoming Outgoing resources resources Balance clfwd Fund Name Transfers Unrestricted Funds (General) General funds 65,670 61,811 50,921 76,560 Designated Funds Hardship 9,823 1,625 2,045 9,403 Restricted Aviva Big Lottery Anonymous coyc 36,500 108,646 5,000 35,391 77,927 2,940 1,109 75,664 2,060 44,945 Main funding Financial Inclusion Ukraine 50,000 11,671 80,000 4,489 2,000 9,959 47,985 7,000 56,000 1,611 2,000 11,800 828 2,015 4,671 84,798 2,920 60,798 42 Donations Grail Society ICB Lotte ry IAA Two Ridings Organisational Development Refugee Council Refugee week Sam Pegram Foundation+B180 Swimming Two Ridings Cost of Living VCSE Williams Family Fund York Community Fund York CVS Health Inequalities 11,557 9,716 (828) 9,945 183 9,762 2,617 14,946 991 15,903 991 1,660 670 10,390 4,001 670 11,114 5,000 4,276 4,001 1,260 7,000 10,000 5,000 2,200 363,347 5,740 10,000 3,740 1,260 2,200 273,556 135,020 224,811 Total Funds 210,513 426,783 326,522 310,774 15
2024 Balance blfwd Incoming Outgoing resources resources Balance clfwd Fund Name Transfers Unrestricted Funds (General) General funds 65,257 35,194 33,206 1,575 65,670 Designated Funds Hardship 9,735 9,735 5,075 5,075 4,987 4,987 9,823 9,823 Restricted Belfry Big Lottery BBC Children in Need coyc 3,750 39,893 12,731 3,750 129,948 12,731 135,000 44,945 Main funding Brexit Financial Inclusion Fishergate Ukraine 34,744 25 (1,492) 1,150 23,096 34,744 25 9,683 2,295 2,298 243 1,054 3,443 40,456 2,302 8,593 2,550 80 13,139 11,937 5,999 8,000 293,270 9,600 1,145 40,000 285 1,575 60,798 42 Donations Geoff Herrington ICB JRF JRHT Refugee Council Refugee week Sam Pegram Foundation Swimming Two Ridings Two Ridings Cost of Living York Foodbank (Clothing bank) 1,054 15,000 11,557 40,456 2,302 11,210 2,167 750 10,000 2,470 10,000 2,617 383 670 10,390 13,529 9,467 4,001 8,000 189,088 237,627 1,575 135,020 Total Funds 264,080 277,896 331,463 210,513 16
10.2 Details of Restricted Funds Held Aviva Funding for work wtth young people to support them into employment, education, and to reach their potent Big Lottery To provide funding for staff, venue and running costs of our regular sessions and services Anonymous Funding for work with young people to support them into employment, education, and to reach their COYC Main funding To provide funding for running costs for our services including work with Asylum Seekers COYC Financial Inclusion To fund a project to help users maximise their income and access advice COYC Ukraine To fund work supporting Ukrainians resettling in York- £40,000 of this was received end of January 2025 Grail Society To fund weekly drop-in sessions for asylum seekers ICB To fund work supporting the health and wellbeing of asylum seekers living in a hotel in York Two Ridings Organisational Development To fund organisational development work which started in Spring 2025 Refugee Council To fund a weekly drop-in session for asylum seekers Refugee Week To fund events in Refugee Week Sam Pegram Foundation To fund access to sports activities for asylum seeking children in York Swimming Donations to fund swimming lessons for non-swimmers, and other activities Two Ridings Cost of Living To fund a project to support refugees struggling with the cost of living VCSE To fund work supporting the health and wellbeing of asylum seekers living in a hotel in York Williams Family Fund To fund Youth Worker and youth club sessions - recelved in March 2025 York Community Fund To fund work supporting the health and wellbeing of asylum seekers living in a hotel in York York CVS - Vaccine grant To fund work with refugees and asylum seekers engaging to understand barriers to vaccine take-up and help them understand the benefits of vaccines Restricted donations This includes donations for specific purposes, within this total was £2836 towards a Youth Residential Trip for 2026 Expenditure on the Lottery IAA is in anticipation of funds to be received in the year to 31 March 2026 17
11 Net assets between funds Un restricted & designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 2025 Balances at 31st March 2025 Fixed assets Current assets Cu rrent liabilities 1,920 88,820 4,777 85,963 1,920 313,631 4,777 310,774 224,811 224,811 Unrestricted & designated Funds Restricted Total Funds 2024 Balances at 31st March 2024 Ftxed assets Current assets Cu rrent Eiabilities 2,807 76,334 (3,648) 75,493 2,807 211,354 (3,648) 210,513 135,020 135,020 18