## **Dorset Polish Centre** - previously known as Dorset Centre 4 Us - (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Trustee Annual Report & Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Charity number: 1166477 Date of constitution (last amended): 23 February 2016, amended 30 March 2020 Incorporated and registered as a charity on: 12 April 2016 ## **Contents** Legal and Administrative Information Report of the Management Committee Statement of Financial Activities ## **Legal and Administrative Information** ## STATUS Dorset Polish Centre is the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (“the CIO”) registered and is established for charitable purposes for the public benefit. It has been entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1166477 on the 12[th] April 2016. TRUSTEES AND DIRECTORS Ewa Zabarylo Anna Kalicinska REGISTERED OFFICE Gladstone Mews Gladstone Rd East Bournemouth BH7 6BG United Kingdom BANKERS The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Delf House Skelmersdale WN8 6WT ## **Report of the Management Committee** STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ## Governing Document The organisation was registered as a charity on 12 April 2016. The Charity was established as a CIO under Constitution. In the event of the CIO being wound up, the members of the CIO have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities. ## Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee The Trustees of the CIO are known as members of the Management Committee. All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. ## Trustee Induction and Training Most trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the charity. Additionally, new trustees are invited and encouraged to attend a series of short training sessions to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates. This covers: - The obligations of Management Committee members. - The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Constitution. - Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts. - Future and objectives. ## PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT In planning our activities for the year, we kept in mind the charity commission guidance on public benefit. ## ABOUT DORSET POLISH CENTRE We are growing charity mainly based for and by Polish people at Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch area with future Dorset range. Our aim is bonding the Polish local community and at the same time create more opportunities for collaboration and dialogue for our nationality with homegrown communities at various levels. We strive to improve the quality of life for all by building stronger, safer and sustainable communities in a respectful and just society where diversity is valued. On the 30[th] of March 2019 we changed our name from Dorset Centre 4 Us to Dorset Polish Centre to better reflect who we are, to be more recognisable by local communities, organisations and as suggested by our members and supporters to Dorset Polish Centre. ## **SUMMARY OF KEY ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE YEAR 2024/2025** Our main activities were focused on organising events based on Polish culture and ceremonials open for all nations: ## April 2024 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support (online and during meetups) ## **Event/activity/project name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Creative Thursdays** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## May 2024 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support (online and during meetups) ## **Event/activity/project name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Creative Thursdays** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## JUNE 2024 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support (online and during meetups) ## **Event/activity/project name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Creative Thursdays** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Euro Parliament Election** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): The purpose of this event was to facilitate the official organisation and smooth conduct of the Euro Parliamentary election for the Polish diaspora in Dorset. The activity involved logistical coordination, volunteer management, and ensuring compliance with electoral procedures. The event was successfully completed with ballots securely submitted and reported, contributing to civic engagement and democratic participation among the local Polish community. ## JULY 2024 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support (online and during meetups) ## **Event/activity/project name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Creative Thursdays** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## AUGUST 2024 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support (online and during meetups) ## **Event/activity/project name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Creative Thursdays** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## SEPTEMBER 2024 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support (online and during meetups) ## **Event/activity/project name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Creative Thursdays** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## OCTOBER 2024 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support. ## **Event name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young At Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## NOVEMBER 2024 ## **Event name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young At Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group – St Andrews Day celebration** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event/activity/project name: All Saints' Day** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): celebrated on November 1st, is a Polish tradition where cemeteries transform into seas of flowers illuminated by candlelight. As per custom, we visited nearby cemeteries, lighting candles at Polish graves to honor the departed. This annual event fosters community spirit, remembrance, and reverence for loved ones who have passed. ## **Event/activity/project name: Polish Independence Day lunch** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): The Polish Independence Lunch celebrated Polish Independence Day with the local Polish community. Attendees wore Polish accents, enjoyed a meal together, and participated in a historical knowledge competition about Poland's independence. Approximately 15 people participated in this engaging and festive event. ## **Event/activity/project name: Andrzejki 2023 – St. Andrew Day celebration** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): Traditional Polish Fortune-Telling event celebrated every 29th of November according to the Catholic calendar. Andrzejki ritual has a nonChristian background and is tightly connected to the pagan calendar and yearly rites. During this event we manage to grain about 25 people. ## DECEMBER 2024 ## **Event name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young At Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: “Young BY Heart” group – Christmas Get Together** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## JANUARY 2025 ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart”** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event/activity/project name: WOSP Bournemouth** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): charity event organised to support the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOSP). The event features various activities, performances, and auctions to engage attendees. ## FEBRUARY 2025 ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart”** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## MARCH 2025 **Event/activity/project name** : Sharing information about local communities' events, projects and support (online and during meetups) ## **Event/activity/project name: EU Settlement Scheme support** Event description (purpose, attendance, outcome etc.): ongoing support relating to EU Settlement Scheme; information sessions and application assistance; ## **Event name: Monthly meet up “Young BY Heart” group** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Event name: Creative Thursdays** Event description: activity significantly improves mood and increases vitality. Some of the reasons for support are: • isolation • cultural • interaction and integration • carer support and respite • social and mental health improvements ## **Future Plans** The charity plans to continue the activities outlined above in the forthcoming years subject to satisfactory outcomes from the Polish and local community. ## Responsibilities of Management Committee The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. ## Approved by the Management Committee on 31[st] March 2025 Ewa Zabarylo Anna Kalicinska ## **FINANCE REPORT:** ¢YAthTY COMNU4th Re￿￿pts al￿ payments accounts CC1 To DIO¢7ll14 ap •*(