**1** **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** ## **2021 AT A GLANCE** **15 Young Adults Supported** **35 Children in Residential Care Supported** **2** **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** **2 Young People Graduaed** **6 New RAMP Members** **1 New Girls’ Mentor** **1 Lockdown Finished** **3** **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** ## **A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDERS** ## **It’s an honour to share with you Pursuit’s Annual report from 2021.** We hope that, as you read, you will be encouraged and inspired by the impact of Pursuit’s work thanks to the dedicated efforts of trustees, team and supporters. At a personal level, we look back at the year 2021 with a sense of awe. After a challenging diagnosis in pregnancy, we had the privilege of welcoming into the world our first-born: a beautiful daughter who we named Elsie. The sheer awe and wonder of knowing she was ours, and we hers, will never be lost on us. After battling with a complex heart condition, our darling girl passed away just ten days later. As pain, anguish and heartbreak engulfed us, we also found ourselves even more in awe of the depth of love that even death itself is incapable of extinguishing. The only fitting explanation is that the love of a parent for their child is the echoed voice of love Himself…that it was made for more than finite, mortal, earthly limitations. We also stand in awe of our team of trustees, staff and volunteers, who not only wrapped around us with immense compassion and care, but also lifted from our shoulders the responsibilities for Pursuit that we couldn’t carry, whilst still carrying all of their own. We are in awe of all that was achieved in the midst of such challenge. **4** **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** We are in awe of the way our partners in India have persevered, in spite of the devastating, far-reaching after-effects of the pandemic, to adapt and respond to the needs of the children and young people they serve in a rapidly changing socio-economic climate. And finally, we are in awe of the God who, in the suffering and in the questions, is still at work. A God who knows loss intimately, who promises that a time is coming when all the aching, empty, shattered pieces of our hearts are healed and whole, where we will finally come home. In the meantime, emerging from the rubble of our lives, we see a greater sense of commitment to the community Pursuit serves. We have experienced the excruciating separation of parent and child. We are learning what it is to carry the weight of deep grief and loss. Many of the young people we support have had to accommodate this pain and trauma in their lives for as long as they can remember. In our brokenness and insufficiency, we pray that God will use this to help us become better servants to the community he’s gifted to us. With grateful thanks, **Janéalam and Naomi Sheikh** Chair of Trustees **5** ## **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** ## **A MESSAGE** ## **It is our privilege to introduce Pursuit International’s Annual Report for 2021.** It’s difficult to talk about a year like 2021 in purely rose-tinted terms. Like a lot of people, Pursuit International entered the year with big plans and even bigger expectations for better and brighter days than we had in 2020. And like a lot of people, we discovered 2021 still had its own fair share of disappointment to bestow upon us. We’ve faced personal loss greater than any of us have ever known. As a community across the UK, India and beyond, we stood with Pursuit Founders Naomi and Jane as they welcomed and lost their beautiful daughter Elsie Shahansha Sheikh. We continue to mourn with the Sheikh family, while marking and celebrating the impact that Elsie made to so many in her 10 days on this earth. Earlier in the year, while the UK began to make roads out of the coronavirus pandemic, the world watched as India entered a devastating second wave - compacted by widespread shortages of oxygen and medicines. And while we are not a relief organisation, it did our hearts good to see so many people come forward to ask how they could help - and to get together to pray with some of our supporters. **6** **----- Start of picture text -----**
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Continued restrictions got in the way of so many plans we had made for Pursuit. Our hearts have been heavy, and the road ahead seemed longer than ever before. And yet, there were wins. There were things to be grateful for. There were things to hold onto and cherish and celebrate, even in a year like 2021. We hope you enjoy reading about them in this report. Because even in the toughest year Pursuit has faced, our RAMP guys still did us proud. Our supporters supported harder than ever. Our team continued to show up in the midst of uncertainty and loss. And we will continue to be here, to show up, to make everyone proud to be part of this pursuit. Because that’s the job; to pursue a world that’s better than the one we currently have, a world where no one is trapped in circumstances beyond their control, a world of hope and purpose rather than limits and loss. We see that world, and however far away it may seem at times, it’s a privilege to work towards it. **Andy Hickford** Chair of Trustees **7** **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** **OUR PURSUIT** ## **OUR OFFICIAL CHARITY OBJECTIVE** **The objectives of Pursuit International are the prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship anywhere in the world by providing or assisting in providing Education, Training, Healthcare and all necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient.** ## **OUR VISION** **Personal relationships transforming an unjust world.** ## **OUR MISSION** **To build a relational community where all are changed in the pursuit of a world where circumstance does not limit opportunity.** **8** **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** ## **OUR VALUES:** ## **We are relational** Community and personal relationships underpin all that we do. We put the needs of others before ourselves and are stronger when we work together. ## **We are dignifying & respectful** Our words and actions have power. We treat everyone with dignity and respect, recognising that we all add value with equal worth. ## **We are innovative** We will be creative in our approach, not letting the fear of making mistakes stop us from trying. ## **We have integrity** We tell the truth and are open about our motivations. We will be good stewards of what we have, strive to act ethically and take our social responsibility seriously. ## **We are loving** We will show grace and perseverance in all that we do. We believe in countless second chances, and dedicate ourselves to a love that goes the extra mile. **9** **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** ## **WHAT OUR PURSUIT LOOKED LIKE IN 2021** ## “ **In this pandemic situation still RAMP helped us with fnancial support. I understood the value of self-time and time with my family and friends.”** ## ” [A member of RAMP] **Working in partnership with a local NGO, we continued to run our RAMP programme - providing personalised, transitional support so that young people can become independent, self-sufficient and responsible adults.** In 2021, even as the pandemic continued, 15 young people were able to undertake training and education across four locations (Kolkata, Mumbai, Dehra Dun and Belfast), while also receiving life skills training and mentoring support from our RAMP mentors. We also provided funds to 35 children across two children’s homes based in Kolkata. This is because the Pursuit team and Trustees recognised that the impact is greater and more positive in a young person’s life the earlier it begins. Young people leaving residential homes are much better equipped to become independent and self-sufficient if they have physical and emotional support from a younger age. **10** **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** ## **STORIES OF HOPE AND JOY** ## “ **We all know that life is not a bed of roses but it has its positive side – I left the children’s home but I learnt to be independent by joining RAMP.** ” [A member of RAMP] **11** ## **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** **IN THE SPRING OF 2021, A DEVASTATING SECOND WAVE OF CORONAVIRUS IN INDIA SAW HOSPITALS AND CREMATORIUMS OVERWHELMED AND WIDESPREAD SHORTAGES OF OXYGEN AND MEDICINES.** **We were grateful to know that our young people, and the children in the homes we support, were all OK and keeping safe in spite of the troubling circumstances, but by July, the situation was not much improved. As one of our mentors shared:** _“Currently the situation of covid in India and in West Bengal is not very good. The supply of vaccines are not up to the mark as not everyone has taken the 1st_ _dose and few people have taken the 2nd dose of vaccines. The prices of the essentials ( food, rice, oil etc.) are going high every month here - the cooking oil which we use to buy for Rs 115 just two months back is now Rs 225 which is more than double of the price and it is really impacting all of us very badly (especially people like us and definitely Ramp members). It is hurting people very badly because some people’s income is now stagnant.”_ **12** **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** And yet, against this backdrop of disruption and change and fear, RAMP saw positive changes that are wellworth celebrating. We said goodbye to one girls’ mentor as she moved away, but were able to hire a brilliant new girls’ mentor in October. Two of our girls graduated from RAMP and began working and living independently. We welcomed six new RAMP members. And even amidst increasing financial pressure, our RAMP guys continued to serve their local community, bringing blankets and supplies to those in need. We learnt a lot about gratitude from our young people in 2021. They were simply grateful to get back into their classes and meet with friends - and one of our RAMP girls, who suffered significant health challenges this year, was thankful to receive the medical support she needed to recover. One of our young people shared a whole list of silver linings to come out of the challenges in 2021: “I’m happy for nature. Sightings of wildlife have increased worldwide and a reduction in pollution has given the planet a chance to rejuvenate. Finding joy in simple tasks. Sense of gratitude. Improving mental health through helping others. Choosing who is important to us. Cooperation and social support. And also, we get connected online via video calls and [playing the] PUBG video game.” **13** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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**HAVING FUN RAISING FUNDS** **NOTHING WE EVER ACHIEVE WOULD BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT OUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORTERS – AND 2021 WAS NO EXCEPTION.** ## **Christmas Appeal** **During the summer, we wanted to find ways to connect and engage with our supporters, as well as give people an event to look forward to and break up the boredom of lockdown.** Following the success of last year’s Christmas appeal, we decked the halls of a cosy Christmas cabin and encouraged our followers to turn on the lights for those living in poverty. And in a year which saw the tail-end of a global pandemic, and the burgeoning signs of a cost of living crisis, we were blown away to receive £432 in donations - the equivalent of four months of RAMP support. **14** **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** ## **Curry Cookalong** **As lockdown continued at the beginning of the year, we got together for one last Curry Cookalong; our much-loved Facebook Live event where we and our followers could cook and chat together.** Led by our founders Jane’ and Naomi, our supporters, team and some of the RAMP young people gathered together online from multiple countries to cook delicious daal and puris together - and did an incredible job in spite of the dodgy sound on the Sheikh’s webcam! ## “ **So good yum yum yum. You guys were brilliant! I am in puri heaven .... who would have thought they would be so easy!!!!” “Thanks so much guys. Can’t wait to eat this! That was good fun!”** ## ” [Some of our lovely feedback] **666 Peak Views £120 Raised** **15** **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** ## **FUNDRAISING LEGEND** ## **Our Very Own Janealam** **To celebrate reaching the big 3-0, our very own Janealam Sheikh decided to push himself with a 30 for 30 fundraising challenge; to run 30km, and raise £3,000.** Back in May, on one of the hottest days of the year, our boy completed his run - with the support of his running crew and lots of cheering fans - and managed to raise an astounding £5,566. And at 185% of his original target, that’s not a bad birthday present at all. ## **30K Run** **£5,556 Raised** **16** **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** ## **GIVING AT A GLANCE** **TOTAL INCOME £39,207 £18,804 from regular donors** **TOTAL EXPENDITURE £30,895** **£4,769** - **Promotion** - **Communication** - **Fundraising** - **£126 on Administration costs** **REGULAR DONORS 44** **at the start of 2021** **52 at the end of 2021** **REGULAR MONTHLY INCOME £1602 Up by £35 per month** ## **£26,000** **Spent directly on our projects and those we support** - **£20,000 to RAMP** We have a reserves policy that states our reserves must not fall below our running costs for six months. - **£6,000 to the children’s homes** ## **Our supporters are amazing.** **After the overwhelming generosity of 2020, we were preparing ourselves for people’s financial situations to change and for giving to decrease. We were so blown away that giving went up again - especially when that included eight new people stepping up and committing to give regularly. Thank you so, so much.** **17** **PURSUIT INTERNATIONAL** ## **OUR TEAM** **As well as a Board of Trustees, Pursuit International has an Executive Management Team who looks after communications, finance and other day-to-day activities that make the organisation run.** ## **In 2021, the following served on the team:** ## **Founders** Jane’alam Sheikh Naomi Sheikh Ruth Brown James Cobbett Rebecca Little Piero Regnante Chloe Satchell-Cobbett Most of this team served in a volunteer capacity in 2021, but we pay James Cobbett and Chloe Satchell-Cobbett for a set amount of hours each week to enable us to fulfil our communications and fundraising capabilities. **18** **OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Trustees recognise their obligation to ensure that the funds of the charity are used for public benefit.** ## **In 2021 the following served as trustees:** Andrew Hickford Sue Jenkins Steve Tucker Pursuit International is a CIO with a Governing Document. The minimum number of trustees is three. Trustees are appointed by resolution at a properly convened trustees meeting. In selecting trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed by Pursuit International. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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**19** ## **JOIN THE PURSUIT** **We believe the answer to poverty is personal, and transforming our supporters’ lives is just as important to us as helping vulnerable children and young people.** **We’d love it if you would take on the pursuit as your own, because everyone has a crucial and valuable part to play in creating a world where circumstances do not determine opportunities.** ## **FOLLOW** ## **GIVE** If you’re down with the kids you can check us out on Facebook and Instagram. But the real magic happens when you sign up to our mailing list. ## PURSUITINTERNATIONAL /PURSUITINT EMAIL: CONTACT@PURSUITINTERNATIONAL.ORG WEB: PURSUITINTERNATIONAL.ORG On average, an entire month of RAMP costs just £100 for one young person. You don’t have to give us £100 (although if you would like to that would be lovely) but a little goes a long way in Kolkata. £12 provides a month’s rent in safe accommodation, and £30 could give a month of life-skills training and mentoring. But whatever you can afford would be brilliant. PURSUITINTERNATIONAL.ORG/DONATE ## **FUNDRAISE** If you want to get involved and spread the word, that sounds flipping brilliant to us. Head to our website to download our fundraising pack. PURSUITINTERNATIONAL.ORG/FUNDRAISE Registered Charity number: 1167084 (England & Wales) Registered Address: Pursuit International, 6 Mulberry Court, Goring Road, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 4PF **20** ## **Pursuit International Charity Number 1167084 Receipts and Payments Account Year to 31[st] December 2021** |**RECEIPTS**
Donations
Donations for Projects
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**
**PAYMENTS**
Charitable Activities
Promotion & Fundraising
Administration
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
**NET RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS)**
**CASH FUNDS AT 1.1.21**
**CASH FUNDS AT 31.12.21**
**BANK ACCOUNT**
Barclays Bank PLC
Account Number 70610968
At 31.12.21|**2021**
**2021**
**2021**
**General**
**Restricte**
**d**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
£ 32,469
£ 32,469
£ 6,738
£ 6,738
£ 32,469
£ 6,738
£ 39,207
£ 21,500
£ 4,500
£ 26,000
£ 4,769
£ -
£ 4,769
£ 126
£ -
£ 126|| |---|---|---| ||£ 26,395
£ 4,500 £ 30,895|| ||£ 6,074
£ 2,238
£ 8,312
£ 63,095
£ 701 £ 63,796
£ 69,169
£ 2,939
£ 72,108
£ 69,169
£ 2,939
£ 72,108|| |||| |||| Signed on Behalf of Trustees: Signed: Andrew Hickford Date 25/10/2022 1 **Pursuit International** Independent Examiner’s Report Financial Year 2021 ## **Pursuit International Charity Number 1167084** **Independent Examiner’s Report 1[st] January to 31st December 2021** 1 **Pursuit International** Independent Examiner’s Report Financial Year 2021 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Pursuit International (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31st December 2021. ## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner** As the charity trustees of Pursuit International, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an Independent Examination is needed. ## **Responsibilities and Basis of Report** I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the Act. ## **Independent Examiner’s Statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## **Signed: N Love** **Date:** 25[th] October 2022 **Address:** 32, BN14 7ER 2 **Pursuit International** Independent Examiner’s Report Financial Year 2021 3