## **Somali Outreach Project** ## **Annual Return and Trustees’ Annual Report Charity Number:** 1159399 **Reporting Period: 01 June 2024 – 31 May 2025** ## **1. Introduction** The trustees of the Somali Outreach Project (SOP) present their Annual **01 June 2024** Return and Trustees’ Annual Report for the financial year **to 31 May 2025** . This report outlines the charity’s objectives, activities, governance, and financial performance during the year, highlighting the impact of our work in reducing crime, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening the Somali community in Milton Keynes. ## **2. Reference and Administrative Details** - **Charity Name:** Somali Outreach Project - **Charity Number:** 1159399 - The Point, 602 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton - **Principal Office:** Keynes MK9 3NB ## **Trustees during the period:** - Abdirahman Abdullahi - Mohamed Abdi - Khalif Mohamoud - Faisal Abdulahi ## **3. Objectives and Activities** The Somali Outreach Project aims to reduce crime, promote social inclusion, and build community capacity through education, advocacy, and community engagement. ## **Key activities delivered during 2024–2025 included:** - **Youth Development Programmes:** Sports, mentoring, and educational activities designed to reduce antisocial behaviour and support positive youth development. - **Advocacy and Mediation:** Community advocacy and mediation work to strengthen relationships between the community, police, and local authorities. - **Workshops and Health Awareness Campaigns:** Delivery of - community workshops and health awareness initiatives in collaboration with partner organisations. ## **4. Financial Review** The charity maintained effective financial management throughout the year, ensuring that funds were applied solely to further its charitable purposes. ## **Total Income: £80,400** ## **Income sources included:** - AB Charity: £20,000 - MK Community Foundation (MKCF): £6,000 - Milton Keynes Council: £4,150 - Main grant: £14,500 - Chaos: £3,500 - Ngled Weplc: £5,000 - Thames Valley Police: £7,000 - BBC Children in Need: £20,250 ## **Total Expenditure: £80,400** ## **Expenditure included:** - Youth Programmes - Advocacy and Community Engagement - Health Awareness Projects - Administrative and Governance Costs - Contribution to Reserves (£1,500) ## **Financial Position:** All income received during the reporting period was applied in support of the charity’s objectives, with a modest allocation to reserves to support future sustainability. ## **Reserves Policy** The trustees operate a prudent reserves policy. During the year, **£1,500** was set aside as unrestricted reserves to support future programme delivery and manage financial risk. ## **5. Plans for Future Periods** During the next financial year, the Somali Outreach Project intends to: - Expand youth programmes, including skills and vocational pathways. - Strengthen funding relationships with statutory and charitable partners. - Increase community engagement through targeted outreach and events. ## **6. Structure, Governance, and Management** The Somali Outreach Project is governed by a board of trustees operating under a trust deed. Trustees meet regularly to oversee strategy, financial controls, safeguarding, and risk management. ## **Key policies include:** - Equality and Diversity Policy - Safeguarding Policy - Risk Management Framework ## **7. Independent Examination** The accounts for the year ended **31 May 2025** were independently examined by **Lee Gure, FCA** , who confirmed that the financial statements comply with statutory and regulatory requirements. ## **8. Conclusion** The trustees believe the Somali Outreach Project continues to deliver meaningful impact by reducing crime, promoting inclusion, and strengthening community capacity. The trustees thank all funders, partners, volunteers, and community members for their continued support. **Signed on behalf of the Trustees:** Abdirahman Abdullahi Chair, Somali Outreach Project **Date:** 10 January 2025