## **SHEFFIELD ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT** **(SEM) (REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER – 1166426)** **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2021** **Content Page** - Trustees Annual Report 2 – 20 Examiners Report 21 Statement of Financial Activities 22 Balance Sheet 23 - Notes to the Accounts 24 – 25 Funds Movements 26 1 **Page 1** ## **SHEFFIELD ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT (SEM) Trustees Annual Report for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2021** ## **Charity’s Full Name** Sheffield Environmental Movement ## **Trustees** Mr Donald Creighton Mclean Mr Joseph Alois Saverimoutou Mr James Hardy Lewis Mrs Noida Darien-Campbell Ms Bernadette Stiell Mr Mark Hutchison ## **Principal Contact Address** Unit Ca, Sheaf Bank Business Park, 20 Prospect Row, Sheffield, S2 3EN ## **Independent Examiner** Claringbolds Accountancy Services 111 Haigh Moor Way, Swallownest, Sheffield, S26 4SG ## **Governing Document** Sheffield Environmental Movement with registered charity number 1166426 was registered on 7[th] April 2016 and is governed by a CIO – Foundation dated 7[th] April 2016. ## **Organisation and Management** 2 The overall management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected under the terms of the governing document. Day to day project activity of the charity is managed and carried out by volunteers. ## **Page 2** ## **SEM Annual Report 2020/2021** ## **SEM’s charitable objects, mission, vision, values and core activities Objects** The Charity's objects as set out in SEM's governing document are: _'To promote and advance the health, wellbeing and education of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic people & Refugees (BAMER) by facilitating access to and participation in environmental activities'._ ## **Mission** Via the strategic planning process of a Trustee and staff Away Day held in October 2019 SEM’s mission was reconfirmed in parallel with its objects as: _To help improve the quality of life, health and wellbeing of primarily Black Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugees (BAMER) in the natural environment._ ## **Vision** Trustees confirmed SEM will serve as: 1. A broker between BAMER communities and environmental organisations to increase access and participation in the natural environment. 2. An advocate of the environment as a key to health and wellbeing via strong links with external agencies. 3. The deliverer of a regular programme of activities in the natural environment that promote the mental and physical health of people. 4. A strong organisation with robust policies and procedures and a sound long-term funding strategy. ## **The values or beliefs which underpin delivery of this vision were defined as:** - The environment is a source of sustenance for the health and wellbeing of everyone. - People from all walks of life have a right of access to a clean, healthy environment. - Culturally sensitive approaches are required in engaging marginalised communities. ## **The vision will be delivered via the following core activities** 1. Having sufficient organisational capacity to deliver the aims and objectives. 3 2. Organising and delivering a range of outdoor and indoor workshops enabling access to local green spaces and the wider countryside. 3. Delivering educational courses on environmental issues. 4. Supporting disadvantaged groups to navigate barriers accessing environmental opportunities. 5. Providing routes into volunteering, paid employment and involvement with environmental stewardship and active citizenship. 6. Providing advice and training to environmental organisations and other bodies on how to engage with BAMER groups. SEM’s work is in line with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan (2018) and the Julian Glover Review (2019) to reconnect everyone to the natural environment and encourage the diversity of people accessing or visiting natural environments. The charity’s work has even become more important with the launch of the ongoing Government’s Green Social Prescribing initiative, as our work uses indoor and outdoor educational activities/sessions to facilitate and promote access to and participation in the natural heritage for people’s health and wellbeing. SEM’s work involves creating connections and building awareness and understanding among BAMER communities about the importance of natural heritage and green space sites around them, how to access but also contribute to environmental stewardship and active citizenship. The importance of this work for our charity is underpinned by findings from a community-wide consultation completed with BAMER communities as part of SEM’s Heritage Fund Resilient project in November 2019. The common thread of the consultations were that a natural heritage project would enable communities to learn about the British natural heritage at various natural sites and those around them. How to access, but above all, apply this learning through getting involved in practical outdoor work in natural places or visit sites with families and friends. The chance of being involved further exposes participants to opportunities to engage in the natural heritage, to develop a sense of belonging to place, discover new natural heritage sites and countryside spaces, gain knowledge and understanding about the benefits of these natural sites for health and wellbeing. Our projects tend to include guided health/historical walks, farm visits, foraging, environmental pottery/photography, OPAL surveys, coarse fishing, horse riding, countryside discovery and residential weekends. These projects are focused on developing a legacy of action/experiential learning embedding skills, knowledge and other approaches working alongside environmental heritage partners. Following the launch of SEM in July 2016 till date, the organisation has worked with hundreds of people from BAMER community groups, 4 colleges, schools and youth groups. The organisation has in addition worked with 15 different environmental organisations to broker links with them and the BAMER community groups. SEM has always used a base-line questionnaire and face-to-face interviews and at times case studies with participants to gather feedback. These methods enabled us to identify initial levels of knowledge and interest in local green spaces and natural heritage and the countryside. And at the end of every project a similar evaluation is undertaken to ascertain the difference the project has had on participants. The evaluation forms for all activities solicit feedback with quotes on ‘enjoyability’, ‘accessibility’ and ‘usefulness’ of a session. Photos/videos of participants with consent are then posted on the SEM website providing evidence about the impact that the activities have had on the participants www.semcharity.org.uk SEM was fortunate through a resilience grant from the Heritage Fund in 2019 to conduct consultation with 13 local BAMER community organisations and 10 environmental/ heritage organisations committed to promoting and conserving the natural heritage. With the BAMER groups, we held semi-structured interviews with group leaders exploring their members’ current awareness of natural heritage, barriers to engagement and types of activities that might pique interest. With regards to environmental/heritage organisations, they all acknowledged that BAMER communities are under-represented in their activities and advocate strong enthusiasm for SEM’s role of brokering links. We further gathered that environmental organisations have no knowledge about existence of these BAMER groups and how to connect with them but are unanimously keen to use SEM to disseminate information on what they offer – whether via training, taster sessions, posting publicity on SEM’s website. SEM’s work has therefore helped built up interest in natural heritage via practical activities which serves as platform for environmental/heritage organisations to present their offer of services backed up via our social media platforms. However, these are not without challenges such as funding to continue running projects. To over-come the challenges, SEM has devised a 5- year Business Plan which it is using to help address some of them. SEM was successful with a Covid-19 Heritage Emergency Fund enabling the organisation to continue engaging with groups online and growing audience by improving digital outputs. This included reaching out beyond the local community via digital, running a Telephone Tree 5 service to regularly connect with older people facing digital exclusion. The fund also allowed SEM to not rely too heavily on its reserves bolstering financial resilience. In 2019 a Heritage Fund Resilience grant enabled Trustees to undertake training and strategic planning resulting in a 5 -year Business plan and a funding strategy. By the year end we secured year 1 of a 3- year project funding with Ernest Cook Trust and at the end of December 2020 a successful bid to the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund has helped us continue with our work. SEM as a small organisation seeks to expand gradually in response to felt need, data from DEFRA (2019) Landscape Review have shown that ethnic minorities have on average 11 times less access to greenspace, with 15% of time in greenspace by people from BAMER background spent in the countryside as compared to 38% of white people. _“The importance of green spaces in keeping people from BAMER communities physically fit and mentally well has come to the fore following the Covid-19 pandemic and, how often people can visit a park and who with, has been a barometer of our confidence to unlock society_ ” (SEM, 2020). Unfortunately, what this narrative mask is for some people these aren’t the gradual return of cherished freedoms, but an ongoing reminder of what they lack. One in eight homes in England has no garden, with the figure much higher among black families. Data from Natural England (2019) consistently showed that people living in more disadvantaged areas, people from BAMER communities and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions visit parks and green spaces less frequently than others. There’s a strong correlation between these groups and people who are less physically active and a clear ‘read-across’ to people experiencing health inequalities as highlighted by Professor Marmot in the Health Inequalities report (2010). The pandemic has both highlighted and exacerbated this inequity – providing stark reminder that for some people in communities green spaces may be close by but remain off-putting or off-limits. For some the issues are systematic – where green spaces are located, but how they can be accessed and whether they have descent facilities. For others, the barriers are about relevance or confidence – perceptions of who and what green spaces are for, how people behave in them and how to make the most of them. These issues are not new, but Covid-19 has intensified the challenge. How to address that challenge in the context of ‘green recovery’ is at the core of the debate being taken forward by organisations such as SEM. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has touched every part of our society, economy, environment and, social connections as we embark on the process of recovery. SEM’s Walk4 Health Group, formerly known as the 100 Black 6 Men Walk for Health Group which inspired production of the national play, _“Black Men Walking”_ by Eclipse and Royal Theatre Production in 2018/19 has gained a lot of publicity locally and nationally and has led to lots of people joining the Walk4 Health Group as they found it very important for not only their mental and physical wellbeing but also a form of solace from loneliness and isolation. ## **Evidencing the need for SEM’s work** SEM’s work continues to evidence the need for equitable access to green spaces for people from BAMER communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic. Hence our charitable objects have enabled us to target support in the city of Sheffield and surrounding areas. As a city Sheffield has a total population of circa 576,000 and at the most recent count the number of people defining themselves to be of BAMER origin are 19%, with increase in the number of refugees from Syria and Africa resettled in Sheffield in recent times. The percentage of BAMER communities is thus higher in wards targeted by SEM, these are the more deprived parts of the city and the most prone to environmental challenges such as high levels of air pollution, littering, fly-tipping. There is a lower percentage of inner-city green spaces in these areas and those that exist are often neglected (in a context of state cutbacks on maintenance work etc), are attractive to perpetrators of drugs, knife and gun crime or general anti-social behaviour. As such they develop a reputation as “no go” areas which residents are wary of accessing following our consultations. Whilst many BAMER people are born British, their parents or grandparents will usually have arrived directly from their countries of origin and had no reason or incentive to explore their new city beyond the immediate focus of securing safe housing, secure jobs and beginning to bring up their children. When holiday opportunities arose, they would be more likely to return to extended family in countries of origin than venture beyond the city boundaries. They would therefore have no awareness of the hills, moors and countryside within 10 miles of the city centre and little likelihood of introducing their children to these opportunities. In this way generations of BAMER communities are becoming entrenched in the assumption that local green spaces are either irrelevant or positively dangerous and that there is little of interest in the wider green spaces of the Peak District etc. Images they see of such spaces via TV or other media evidence the current reality that there are very few visitors or residents of BAMER origin which creates 7 the further barrier of fear of encountering racism if they visit. This is compounded by lack of knowledge of how to reach such spaces, lack of funds to do so, inappropriate gear for varying weather and lack of knowledge of the countryside code – where people are allowed to roam, how to identify and follow footpaths etc. All these factors combine to render BAMER communities very unlikely to venture into or benefit from environmental opportunities. They become unlikely to value the external environment and so less inclined to look after it themselves or see the relevance of larger issues such as climate change even though, ironically, both inner-city communities and people from their countries of origin are the ones to be earliest and most severely impacted by this crisis. In 2019 SEM’s consultation with Sheffield based groups of BAMER origin has confirmed the above premise. This confirms a generation of BAMER people are growing up with a perception that environmental opportunities are irrelevant or positively dangerous and thus are being denied. SEM has therefore continued to work with BAMER groups to access opportunities that enhance their mental and physical well-being as these growing trends in BAMER communities exacerbated by Covid 19. SEM views access to environmental education, training, volunteering opportunities as key to creating a pool of BAMER environmental champions, ambassadors and mentors with a view to volunteering and employment as long-term career opportunities. SEM is further of the view that BAMER people understanding their rights and responsibilities towards the environment may inspire action to protect or improve it as environmental stewards. SEM has also looked at the issue from the perspective of environmental organisations who very definitely value the environment and are committed to its responsible stewardship. From our consultations with environmental organisations we were shocked to find that very few are monitoring the number of BAMER taking up their offer but all acknowledged that it is far less than the proportion of local city populations. BAMER are under-represented as volunteers, staff and management structures such as committees and boards which further entrenches the visual perception that the countryside and environmental organisations are for white communities. Most environmental organisations that SEM consulted with appreciate that this is an ethical travesty and some are also recognising that there is a massive market opportunity if they could overcome the barriers that currently prevent BAMER communities from accessing what they offer but also to promote equality and diversity in the sector considering the onset of the Black Lives Matter Movement and environmental justice as result of the ongoing climate change crisis. 8 From both the BAMER and the environmental organisations perspective, there is thus a strong argument for overcoming these barriers of BAMER exclusion in the environmental sector and SEM is uniquely well-placed to do so. Over the years prior to the outbreak of Covid which led to several lockdowns, SEM have developed excellent relationships with a range of BAMER and environmental organisations and have gained a reputation for enabling people to access opportunities they were previously unaware of. This has included organising a monthly walk for health in the peak district, taster sessions in fishing, horse riding, environmental pottery, foraging trips led by a herbalist, introducing Sheffield College ESOL students to the countryside, experiential learning using the Imperial College’s Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Nature Surveys processes to measure levels of air pollution, organising day visits for adults and young people to Whirlow Hall farm to learn about the modern day farming and the origins of food and sustainable farming practices. SEM continues to perform a lobbying and advocacy role in relation to BAMER engagement in the environment. The SEM project co-ordinator has published research papers, leading to invitations to speak at local and national conferences and serve on Boards of various environmental bodies. SEM’s website showcases many such papers and video and photographic evidence of activities run over the last 4 years as well as features from newspaper and magazine; radio and TV programs: www.semcharity.org.uk. Following the fall of 2019/20, SEM benefited from a 9-month Heritage Fund Resilience grant, this helped to pay for extensive consultations with often poorly funded BAMER community groups but also with some organisations working in the environmental sector. This confirmed strong endorsement of the continued need for SEM’s brokerage role. With the services of an external consultant, SEM undertook a business planning process with its staff and Board resulting in a 5- year plan and funding strategy to take this work forward. Over the last year the Board has expanded from 4 to 6 members, all BAME heritage with one Irish and, all having professional skills in education, health, research and business. Although the organisation in the last 4 years had 1 full-time project coordinator and six volunteers, it also buys in website and administrative support as funds permit. Nonetheless to date, SEM has punched well above its weight financially and has run the above activities very costeffectively on an annual budget of approx £15 - £20,000. This has been funded from a range of small trusts. Moving forward the charity aims 9 to secure larger grants to provide greater stability and enable it roll out support to the many BAMER organisations that have expressed interest in getting involved in environmental activities. The organisation has also been supported by a grant of £15,000 a year in a very competitive field from the Ernest Cook Trust to part-fund the Co-ordinator’s costs on a 3-year basis as an Outdoor Learning Officer. This comes with the possibility of a further 2 years’ funding if the project goes well and so marks the opportunity for the stability that we aspire to. The Outdoor Learning Project and the funding from Heritage Lottery Emergency Resilient Fund has helped to provide some of form resilience to the organisation which now looks forward to scaling up our work of enabling BAMER communities to understand and assert their rights and responsibilities towards our natural heritage. Sheffield is on the edge of the Peak District National Park and has the reputation of being one of the greenest cities in the UK; yet the majority of residents of BAMER origin are oblivious of this fact and rarely access natural heritage opportunities that are within a 45 minute bus-ride. Many first- generation immigrants arrived to work in urban industries and, if they travel at all, are inclined to visit their countries of origin. Their children’s experience is molded by their parents and their horizons limited to the immediate urban neighbourhood, a cycle that will continue if no action is taken. The effective confinement of BAMER communities to urban environments creates many needs. Studies show BAMER communities reside in areas of highest deprivation in terms or air pollution, littering, fly-tipping, few and poorly maintained green spaces what is often termed desperate ecologies. Poverty, unemployment, cuts in council services have led to a rise in drug use and gang cultures in many communities, with both young and old fear accessing local green spaces. This fosters sedentary life- styles leading to rising obesity, diabetes, cardio-pulmonary diseases, mobility challenges, deteriorating mental health, collectively contributing to a 10-year difference in life-expectancy between affluent areas and those in which most BAMER communities reside. Over 90% of Sheffield’s residents have access to a large area of woodland within 4km, i.e. within walking distance or a bus ride from their home. However, many BAMER communities are failing to do so. Lack of awareness of opportunities and fear of accessing green spaces is causing generations to become psychologically trapped in environments that are damaging to their well-being and limiting aspirations for potentially generations to come. Panning out beyond Sheffield to the wider context of global natural heritage and the climate change debate – this too is a challenge and an 10 opportunity that BAMER communities are largely excluded from. Many have originated from countries that are on the front-line of environmental degradation, be-it drought, desertification, deforestation, flooding, extreme storms etc. Via family links they may be in direct contact with victims. In Sheffield itself they live in areas that are most affected by air pollution and vulnerable to flooding and yet BAMER communities are very poorly represented in climate change debates, both locally and internationally. SEM works to address these needs by opening communities’ eyes to natural heritage, making it relevant to their own lives, inspiring action for change and building skills and confidence to engage in the longer term. Our particular focus has been on air pollution in the city of Sheffield, access to green space and the wider countryside such as the Peak District National Park and beyond. As the impact of air pollution in BAMER communities is a big issue SEM has continued to work to introduce BAMER people to the sources of air pollution by using the OPAL (Open Air Laboratory) practical techniques involving natural indicators such as lichens and black tar spots on sycamore tree leaves to measure air pollution. SEM does this by conducting in field surveys to local streets/parks followed by making comparative analysis in streets/parks in affluent areas and visit to the PDNP. By exposing BAMER communities to witness the differences between air quality and green space management, SEM believes will motivate action for change – be it via lobbying Local Councilors, undertaking litter picks or tree planting etc. SEM further continues to seek funding to work with an environmental herbal specialist to introduce BAMER groups to naturally growing flora of nutritional and/or medicinal value. This has led to older BAMER participants making comparisons flora from their countries of origin, all piquing curiosity and respect for nature. Also, to spark interest in food growing in the UK. SEM further continues to organise daytrips to Whirlow Hall farm, an educational centre on the edge of Sheffield specialising in introducing varied aspects of farming. This, the organisation believes would instill an understanding of the natural origins of food in the UK but also generate debate on food quality and food poverty as well as Genetically Modified foods and to potentially inspire interest in organic food growing as a group/individual in local gardens or allotments. SEM monitors traffic on its website, twitter and facebook platforms and though, this cannot be analysed in terms of ethnicities, gender or age, an increase of traffic (especially on the BAMER and our Environmental Partners pages) indicate a greater awareness and utilisation of SEM’s work. 11 Sheffield’s proximity to the Peak District National Park, Britain's First National Park, established in Great Britain in 1951 covers a geographical area of 555 square miles surrounded by significant urban conurbations: Greater Manchester to the west, Bradford and Leeds to the North- East and Sheffield to the south-east. The PDNP is one of the UK’s best-loved places, accessible by public transport, where networks of walking routes have been developed over generations by some of the oldest rambling groups in the country. It is also home to some 38,000 residents, including farms and villages hosting a wealth of public services, businesses and tourist attractions that collectively provide approximately 18,000 jobs. Being bordered by massive urban conurbations it provides a vital escape from urban pressures that nurtures physical and mental wellbeing. However, of the 12.25 million visitors it attracts each year, yet less one per cent are of a BAMER background. Introducing BAMER communities to these spaces will help them use these natural spaces to reflect on the day’s experiences while relaxing in picturesque villages, country cafes and traditional public houses. It will help BAMER participants discover more about wildlife, geology, history and rural life through exploration, visitor centres, school trips, volunteering and guided walks. It is an unrivalled setting to escape the pressures of everyday life and recharge drained batteries motivating people to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Significant bi-products of opening up this space to BAMER communities will be the creation of new markets for tourism and the rural retail sector as well as making BAMER communities aware of a wealth of employment opportunities. As late as the early 20th century most British countryside lay in the hands of wealthy landowners who restricted or banned public access. But the 1932 Kinder Mass Trespass kick started a campaign that led to increased public land access and the eventual establishment of national parks and the Countryside Rights Of Way (CROW) and Freedom to Roam Acts throughout the UK. The Peak District National Park’s name derives from _peac_ , an Old English word meaning hill. It’s high point is Kinder Scout, a moorland plateau some 2,088 feet (636 meters) above sea level and which was the centre of the Mass Trespass in 1932 led by Benny Rothman and his fellow trespassers that helped open the moors, hills for the working class people to access. However, despite the Peak Park’s proximity to this place of national heritage value and as source of mental and physical well-being, most BAMER people are not aware of its existence, let alone the history behind its creation and the struggle for access. SEM’s work among BAMER communities is to raise awareness of the history of national parks but especially the mass 12 trespass with a view that it will help BAMER individuals appreciate benefits of accessing the Peak District National Park. In the same vein, there are over 800 parks and green spaces in Sheffield, making it one of the greenest cities in Europe. However, the most attractive and frequently used parks such as Graves and Endcliffe are situated in the most affluent areas of the city. Endcliffe Park for example, has a great mix of quiet leafy spaces, streams, ponds, open grassy meadows and several thriving cafes. Moreover, it is possible to walk through this park into farmland that leads to moors on the edge of the city. It is the gateway to the Peak District but little known or frequented by BAMER communities. By comparison the parks closest to the community locations of the groups we work with are characterised by being much smaller, hemmed in by housing (sometimes derelict), with vandalised play areas, over-flowing litterbins, few mature trees or flowerbeds, no toilets or cafes. Examples include Osgathorpe, Abbeyfield and Lowfield. BAMER communities may be aware of them but are wary of venturing into them. Indeed, during the summer BAMER communities are most regularly seen picnicking near the fountains of the city centre Peace Gardens, however during the lockdown most BAMER people have tried to discover and use their local green spaces around them and shared this information on social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook about their discoveries. Whilst playing and being outside is a positive way to exercise and get fresh air, unfortunately these local green spaces in BAMER communities feature no mature trees or significant greenery and are certainly not a pathway to diverse landscapes and escape from urban pollution. And even though Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in the UK, it is also exhibiting highest evidence of air pollution. Sitting effectively in a bowl surrounded by 7 hills, polluted air tends to get trapped in low lying areas, and - with prevailing winds from the west – the city centre and east are most polluted. These are the areas with the densest population of BAMER communities. Research shows air pollution has serious impact on people's mental capabilities as well as physical health and can trigger all types of diseases. However, because it is invisible and insidious people are oblivious to these dangers and carry on with daily lives as normal without being aware of the pernicious health hazards. John Mothersole, former Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, once said, _“Air quality is a major national problem. We realise this is an issue in Sheffield and are 100 per cent committed to tackling it. Our city is changing rapidly and we must improve air quality for all our residents”_ (Sheffield Star, 2017). He went on to add that, the Council's recently published its sustainability vision showing 13 commitment to improve air quality and to create a sustainable and integrated transport system that supports the city's growth ambitions. The Council's sustainability plan approved in March 2017 set out five priorities including reducing air pollution to a point well below the EU limit. However, the large parks in Sheffield are situated in the less airpolluted west of the city most frequented and best managed, and with cuts in Government funding the management of green spaces means Sheffield’s inner-city parks are subject to a downward spiral of poor management, increased vandalism resulting in people being fearful of venturing into them and further decreasing use, there’s no sense of ownership of and inclination to use their local green spaces. As regards air quality, a Friends of the Earth study in 2017 estimated that air pollution causes 500 premature deaths in Sheffield each year, calculated to cause £160 million in lost working days due to illness. They identified 4 air pollution blackspots in central Sheffield (location of the Peace gardens described above) that were exceeding the threshold of dangerous nitrogen dioxide (NO2) allowed in the atmosphere at one time. Others exhibiting dangerously high levels of air pollution include: Abbeydale Corridor, Crooks and Broomhill, Darnal, Ecclesall, Hillsborough, Hillsborough/Malin Bridge/Walkley, Kelham Island, Nether Edge, Penistone Road, Sheffield Hallam University, Shefeld Train Station, Tinsley Forum, these are the areas SEM wants to continue working with. SEM also works to educate BAMAR communities about the UK’s State of Nature report (2019) which stated that populations of UKs most important wildlife have plummeted since 1970. The report noted that a quarter of mammals and nearly half of birds assessed are at risk of extinction which has led to in recent times Natural England’s Nature Recovery efforts as many of these rely on our urban and peri-urban spaces as their habitats. Sheffield’s woodland birds are doing well but others are mirroring national declines. Paul de Zylva of Friends of the Earth stated that, _“As we lose nature, we lose a huge part of what makes us happy and healthy_ ” (Guardian, 2019. With Marcus Yeo, Chief Executive of the UK’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee, noted that, _“the continue decline of biodiversity require urgent action across society”_ (Guardian, 2019). With regards to national parks, The Guardian (September 2019) headline, _“Climate emergency to blame for heather crisis”,_ quoted the National Trust as saying, _“hillsides are turning from purple to brown after loss of 75% of plant on some slopes”._ The Government’s Year of Green Action launched in 2019 was therefore aimed at getting more 14 people from all backgrounds involved in projects to improve the natural world. The latest review of England’s designated landscapes in the Glover Review (2019) also highlighted the many risks facing the existing National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). The PDNP Management Plan 2018-23 encourages everyone to work together to achieve its park purposes providing, as it does, a breathing space and opportunities for learning, discovery and enjoyment for millions of people. Working with BAMER communities to instil appreciation of national park landscapes and the natural resources or air, water and earth will help raise awareness of issues such as where the water from their taps in Sheffield comes from, flood prevention, the origins of their food production etc. Linking local issues to global ones of climate change will also motivate people to act to prevent the greatest long-term threats to the park’s natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. **The table below provides the feedback of our consultations with some 13 BAMER community groups and organisations on green spaces** : **----- Start of picture text -----**
Group name & Total Barriers they experience in accessing
location members & natural green spaces
No. SEM
will work
with
Al-Aziz Sunday 70 5 – 16 Poor quality lived environment – litter, air
school: year olds of S pollution
madrassa for Asia, middle Unaware and wary of local and peak district parks
young people. east origins; Poor physical & mental health
Based in Longley 1 gp 12 Social isolation
Park college S5 young Poverty
6SJ people
**----- End of picture text -----**
15 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Broomhall C 25 young Local parks seen as dangerous
Homework club people 11 - Perceive PDNP as for white middle classes only
S3 7SQ 18 Not part of their culture to look after the
Somali,
environment
Pakistani,
Suspicious of environmental orgs.
Roma
1 gp 12
young
people
Broomhall 12 women The ladies recognise they are physically unfit;
Centre -Somali, Main priorities – managing households; Wary of
women’s health Pakistani, parks & strange places; Aware they have wrong
club and Arabic, clothing; Intimidated by possible strenuous
conversation Yemen, challenges
class Ghana
1 gp 12
women
Chinese Chinese (inc Unaware of or nervous of unknown enviro spaces
Community Hong Kong), Can’t see relevance enviro issues
Centre Vietnamese, Middle-aged over-occupied with work/family
Malaysian, issues
Singaporean Youth obsessed with video and computer games
45 – 70 /week
1 gp of 12
mixed
family
members
Duke St African African- Feel excluded from enviro opps
Caribbean Caribbean Interested in heritage of Windrush generation and
Community elders; men links to imperial/colonial history
Centre & women Need outdoor gear
linked to
church
1 gp of 12
elders
Ellesmere 5 centres in Environment perceived as white middle class
Youth Project NE Sheffield terrain
90% BME Disillusioned with consultation leading nowhere
S4 7RA 1 gp 12 Not been contacted by other enviro orgs
young
people
Fir Vale All ages; Frustrated by environmental problems of area: air
community hub Mainly Asian pollution, littering; anti-social behaviour;
& Roma Welcome awareness raising
S4 8GU 9 staff; 5 vols
I gp adult
women
**----- End of picture text -----**
16 **----- Start of picture text -----**
FURD (Football Over 500 Recently cut from 8 to 2 workers
Unites, Racism users/week Location means very aware of air pollution and
Divides) 70% BME litter issues
75% male Interested in industrial heritage as well as enviro
S2 4UJ 25% female
1 gp 12
young
people
MAAN (Somali Somali elders Huge stigma around mental health renders
Mental Health experiencing engagement challenging. Concerned re rising
Sheffield) PTSD. Also mental health issues in young people. Generally
women with unaware of opps or of issues affecting immediate
S1 2DF post-natal enviro
depression
and
teenagers
1 gp 12
young
people
ROSHNI South-east Air pollution & litter strong local issues.
S2 4HP Asian women Inequalities & social deprivation contributing to
13 – 90+ lack of interest, having other priorities in life to
contend with, feeling out of place in natural
2 gps 12 heritage sites/or how to access them. Language
adult barrier to leaflets etc
women
SADACCA 24 women Been in UK 50 years but know little about cultural
women’s group 50+ or enviro heritage
Mainly Air pollution & litter seen as problems; Also social
S3 8JB African isolation & deteriorating health
Caribbean
1 gp 12
adult
women
Sheffield 25,000 Some students lack finance or suitable gear for
College, Faculty students outdoors
of English, Maths, across 3 Several courses cover environmental issues such
Inclusion & ESOL campuses & as clean air, recycling, climate change etc
5 centres
4 gps 12
teenagers &
teacher
Thalassaemia 60 people Strongly bonded group that lost SCC funding &
Support Group who suffer or now run by vols.
South Yorkshire are carers of Lack awareness of environmental
**----- End of picture text -----**
17 ||**(TSY)**
**S9 3LQ**|those
with
Thallassaemi
a
Mainly
Pakistani &
Yemeni
**1 gp of 12**
**parents &**
**children**|services/opportunities; attributed to language
barrier, not knowing where to go, lack of
confdence and self- esteem. Too busy caring for a
relative, in and out of hospita,l to bother
accessing environmental opportunities|| |---|---|---|---|---| ## **SEM’s contribution to national conferences, seminars and webnairs** The impact of SEM’s work has been recognised both locally and nationally as SEM’s Co-ordinator is often invited to participate in several national events mostly taking place online due to the Covid 19 pandemic, these include: - November 2019, he attended a panel discussion in London focusing on Julian Glover’s _Landscapes Review_ which was published in October 2019. The event is the first opportunity since publication to bring the review panel together with a diverse range of stakeholders with an interest in our most precious landscapes. It is designed to provide a forum to ask the panel questions about their recommendations and to share initial reactions to the report. Julian Glover and four of the review’s panel members were in attendance, the review event was to reflect on their conclusions and set out their thinking on future delivery. The event was chaired by Dr Roger Clarke, who has served on the boards of Natural England and English Nature and is a former Director of the Countryside Agency and former Chief Executive of the YHA. It afforded the SEM Coordinator the opportunity at question time to share his contribution about the need for and importance of diversity in our National Parks and AONB during the panel discussion and he later spoke with Julian Glover, Chair of Glover Review - November 2019, SEM Co-ordinator gave a talk titled, _"How to engage Ethnic Minority Groups in National Parks and AONBs"_ as a keynote speaker at the annual general meeting of Chairs and Chief 18 - Executives of National Parks and AONBs on Thursday November at Westminster Suite Broadway House, Tothill Street, London - June 2020, he joined in discussions involving Defra’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme - Enhancing Access Opportunities Tests and Trials Workshop, hosted by Kent Downs Trust Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - August 2020, SEM Co-ordinator did an online presentation to staff of the Heritage Lottery Fund staff on wellbeing and heritage using current research on the disproportionate impact for communities and individuals within the context of the COVID-19 - July 2020, he delivered an online webinar focusing on racial inequalities in greenspace provision, management and access hosted by Future Parks Accelerator (FPA) a strategic partnership body between the National Trust and the National Lottery Heritage Fund - September 2020, SEM Co-ordinator participated in a DEFRA discussion on its aims to engage minoritised groups in the environmental agenda and how DEFRA can make that happen - In June/July 2020 he participated in an online Zoom meeting on Kent Downs AONB Enhancing Access Opportunities Tests and Trial Workshops supported by DERFA on what the barriers are, accessing greenspace/countryside, and to whom the barriers apply, how to overcome them, who does this and how does this happen - September 2020, SEM Co-ordinator participated in a National Outdoors for All Working Group’s workshop with presentations by Natural England on Social Prescribing, Wildlife Trust Group on Nature Recovery Pilot Network, Learning Outside the Classroom Consortium on developing a whole school approach of learning outside the classroom, and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England’s (CPRE) _‘Building a Countryside for all’_ initiative - September 2020, he participated in a webnar on Health & the Environment orgnaised by the Environment Agency with presentations from the Environment Agency’s Chief Executive Sir James Bevan on how the Agency is protecting the environment and creating better places, hosted by the University College of London - October 2020, SEM Co-ordinator was invited to speak on, _“Working with minoritized groups to access natural green spaces”_ , organized by the Network of Wellbeing (NoW) and the Eden Project, and was joined in this presentation by the new CEO of the Wildlife Trusts - October 2020, he did an online presentation titled, _“Reaching out to a wider and more diverse audiences”_ to the National Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as part of the Colchester Declaration 2019, which has as one of its aims ‘to enable an approach that creates opportunities within AONB for people to make an emotional connection with nature’. His presentation was titled, _“Reaching out to a wider and more diverse audiences”._ 19 - November 2020, SEM Co-ordinator participated in an online discussion on the National Academy for Social Prescribing Thriving Communities’ launch event - November 2020, he co-chaired “Bristol Festival of Ideas” with Nick Hayes, author of the book, _‘Book of Trespass – Crossing the lines that divide us’_ . ## **Publicity** - August 2020, SEM Co-ordinator published an article featured in the Campaign for Rural England (CPRE) annual magazine titled, _“Maxwell Ayamba: My England”._ - June 2020, he published another article titled, _“Equitable outdoor access for the UK’s black and ethnic minority communities”,_ featured in the first edition of an international magazine called, “Adventure Uncovered”. **Sheffield Environmental Movement (SEM) Trustees Annual Report for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2021** 20 ## **(Continued)** ## **Trustees Responsibility for Financial Statements** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the financial statements for the financial year which should give a clear view of the state of affairs of the charity. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to - Select suitable accounting policies and apply them accordingly - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charity. The Trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and irregularities. The Trustees have declared that they have approved the trustees report above ## **Signed on behalf of the Charity Trustees** **Signed** **Date: 19[th] January 2022** **Name: J. A SAVERIMOUTOU Position: Chair** **Page 20** ## **Sheffield Environmental Movement (SEM)** 21 ## **Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2021** ## **Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the Examiner** Is the responsibility of the Trustees to maintain proper books and records and prepare the Accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (Under Section 114 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examiner is needed. It is my responsibility to: - Examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act - To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (Under Section 145(5)(B) of the 2011 Act) - To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes the review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation from the Trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in any audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given in the accounts. ## **Independent Examiner’s Statement** In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention 1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe thank in any material respect the requirements: - To keep appropriate accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act, and - To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act not been met or 2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. **Signed: Date: 19.01.2022 Signed: Roy Claringbold Claringbolds Accountancy Services** **Page 21** 22 ## **Sheffield Environmental Movement (SEM)** ## **Statement of Financial Activities** ## **For the Year Ended 31[ST] March 2021** **Incoming Resources 2021 2020** Donation and Grants 68730 38950 Bank Interest 0 0 **Total Incoming Resources 68730 38950** ## **Resources Expenses** Office Costs 1831 224 Administrative Expenses 13750 12000 Travel Expenses 20 1987 Event Costs 0 776 Postage Expenses 0 104 Printing and Stationery 109 316 Computer Expenses 1420 0 Consultancy Fees and Expenses 3000 23047 Depreciation 245 0 Wages 10800 0 23 Professional Fees 3050 750 **Total Resources Expended 34225 39204** **Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources 34505 -254** **Total Funds Brought Forward 26553 26807** **Total Funds Carried Forward 61058 26553** **Page 22** ## **Sheffield Environmental Movement (SEM) Statement of Assets and Liabilities** ## **As at 31[ST] March 2021** **2021 2020 Fixed Assets** Equipment 733 978 ## **Current Assets** |Cash at bank and in hand|Cash at bank and in hand| |---|---| |61008|25575
| |61741|26553| |**Creditors: Amounts falling due within One Year**|| |683
|0| |**Current Assets over Current Liabilities**|| |61058
|26553| |**Total Net Assets**|| |**61058**|**26553**| 24 ## **Represented by:** Fixed Assets 733 0 Unrestricted Income 32290 0 Restricted Income 28035 0 61058 26553 The Trustees declare that they have approved the accounts above. ## **Signed on behalf of the Trustees:** **Signed Date: 19[th] January 2022** **Name: J.A SAVERIMOUTOU Position: Chair** **Page 23** ## **Sheffield Environmental Movement (SEM)** ## **Notes to the Accounts** ## **For The Year Ended 31[st] March 2021** ## **Accounting Policies** 1(a) General These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” Statement of Recommended Practice SORP 2005) and applicable accounting standards (b) All material incoming resources have been included on a receivable basis i.e. they are included if the date falls within the period covered by these accounts. ## **2 Donation, Legacies and other similar Incoming Resources** 25 **Donations and Grants are from: 2021 2020** National Heritage Lottery Fund Emergency Grant 9664 Green Recovery Challenge Fund 31300 Consultancy Payments 686 National Heritage Total 41650 23600 Ernest Cook Trust 15010 15000 Yorkshire Sport 4976 0 Kent Downs Trust 3937 0 Other 2021 awards and donations 3157 350 **Total 68730 38950** ## **3 Unrestricted Funds** These are grants and donations received or receivable for the object of the charity without restriction as to the purpose of their application as are available as general fund. ## **4 Trustee Remuneration, Benefits and Expenses** Trustees received no remuneration, benefits or expenses in this period. **Page 24** ## **5 Receipts and Payment Accounts** Because the level of income and expenditure is below £100000 the group has opted for accounts prepared on a receipts and payments rather than an accrual basis. This is in line with Charity Commissioners guidelines for small charities and is seen as more appropriate for this project. 26 |||**Page 25**|**Page 25**|**Page 25**||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**SEM fund movements April 2020 - March**|||**2021**|||| |||||||**Closin**| ||**Openi**|||||**g**| ||**ng**|||||**balanc**| ||**balan**|||||**e**| ||**ce**|**1st**||**Recei**|**Payme**|**31/03/**| |**Funds**|**April**|||**pts**|**nts**|**21**| |**Restricted funds**||||||| |Heritage Fund Emergency Grant|||0|9,664|9,664|0| |Heritage Fund - Green Recovery||||||| |Challenge Fund|||0|31,300|12,529|18,771| |Ernest Cook Trust|||0|15,000|10,712|4,288| 27 |Yorkshire Sport|0|4,976|0|4,976| |---|---|---|---|---| |||**60,94**||| |**Total restricted funds**|**0**|**0**|**32,905 **|**28,035**| |**Unrestricted funds**||||| |Heritage Fund Consultancy payments||686||| |Sale of services||4,688||| |Donations||2,406||| |Other income||10||| |**Total unrestricted**||**7,790**||| |||**68,73**||| |**Total incoming funds**||**0**||| **Page 26** 28