ort of the Trustees and
Accounts for the Year to 31 March 2024
for
AID TO THE BALKANS UK
AZB
Charitable Inco
rated O
anisation
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1168468

AID TO THE BALKANS UK
A2B
Contents of the Financial Ststements
for the Year to 31 March 2024
Page
Report of the Trustees
Ito6
Independent Examinerfs Report
Receipts and Payments Account
and Statement of Assets
Notes to the Receipts and Payments Account
9tolO

AID TO THE BALKANS UK
Re
rt of the Trustees
for the Year to 31 March 2024
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. This report is presented
in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. The Accounts a￿ prepared on the receipts and payments basis.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAIIS
Registered Charity number 1168468
Principal address
Elm House
Drink5tone Road
Hessett
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP30 9AU
Trustees
The charity trustees are appointed as and when appropriate by the body of trustees in office. The trustees
who served during the period and those currently in office are:
Dr Sam Whitmarsh
Mr David Ayrton
Mr Mark Appleby (resigned 6th December 2023).
Ms Tracey Bishop
Mr Andrew Davies
Chairperson
Treasurer
STRucfuRE, GOVERNAN￿ AND MANAGEMEMr
Governing document
The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed according to the Constitution dated
Ilth November 2015.
The overall management and control of the charity rests with the individual members of the Board of
Trustees who meet in accordance with the Constitution which requires the presence of at least two or, if the
number of trustees is greater, a third of its memberstoform a quorum. The Board mayappoint a Chairperson
and revoke such appointment at any time. All business is decided by a simple majority, each trustee having
one vote. In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the meeting has a second or casting vote.
Recrultment and appointment of new trustses
Charity trustees are elected the body of trustee5 by a resolution at a properly convened meeting and serrfe
for a term of three years. Trustees retiring at the end of their terni are eligible for reappointment. In selecting
potential candidates for appointment as trustee. the charity trustees must have regard to the Skills,
knowledge and experience of individuals to ensure their suitability to administer the CIO.
There shall be a minimum of three tru5tee5 and there is no maximum. There are currently four trustees.
Voluntary staff
The charity benefits from the services provided by volunteers. Voluntary help is not valued for the purposes
of the financial statements.
Other advisors
Bank: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kin85 Hill Avenue. Kings Hill, West Mallinsi Kent, ME194JQ
Independent Examiner: Derek Gadd, 30 Conyers Way. Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP312SW
Page I

AID TO THE BALKANS UK
A2B
Re
ort of the Trustees
for the Year to 31 March 2024
STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMEKr
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure
appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The trustees have in place policies addressing the main operational risk areas, including that regarding data
protection, and they aim to use best practice. An appropriate level of funds will be maintained to help mitigate
the main financial risks.
OBJEcfivES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
A2B is an organisation that works to 'Lift Dignity and Restore Hope, amongst the most vulnerable members
of society in Albania. By meeting both immediate and longer-term need through a range of activities in
Health, Education, Livelihoods and Protection, we aim to help people lift themselves out of the cycle of
poverty.
A2B is based on Christian values and principles, believing that true human development seek5 to address all
areas of a person's life, physically, economically, emotionally and spiritually.
The trustees declare that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public
benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities - legal
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation wa5 set up to take forward the work of Aid to the Balkans Forward
Trust (A2B), which operated as an unincorporated charity (Registered with the Charity Commission 10770881
since 1999.
On l April 2017, the assets of the old charity were transferred to this new body and it started to operate from
that date.
Charitsble activities- operational
Overview of Charitable Partnerships and Collaborations
AID TO THE BALKANS (UK) proudly dedicates its resources to SUPPOrt A2B Albania, our affiliated partner in
Albania. This partnership enables us to deliver impactful programs to vulnerable communities with the
indispensable support from collaborating organisations. including: Foodbank Albania, FSCI UK, PARI TEC
GMBH- Germany, AMOS Foundation- Gemiany. GAIN International- Swiss and iSTEP- Swiss, Nova College CIOS
Haarlem Hoofddorp- Holland, World Race- USA, YWAM.
Many initiatives that A2B Albania implements would not be viable without the extensive support from these
partners.
As the principal supporter of A2B Albania. AID TO THE BALKANS (UK) collaborates closely on various projects.
Together, we work to provide vital assistance and servi￿$ across communitie5, Wlth Specific highlights
detailed throughout this report.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement
We continue to champion fundraising efforts in support of A2B Albania, aiming to expand awareness of the
essential programs and initiatives. These projects positively irnpact approximately 500 vulnerable individuals
weekly. Through both electronic and written communications, we maintain engagement with our donors,
sharing updates and fostering connections that allow us to further extend our outreach and assistsnce.
Page 2

AID TO THE BALKANS UK
A2B
Re
ort of the Trustees
for the Year to 31 March 2024
Project Portfolio: Key Initiatives and Impact
l. Multidisciplinary Social Centers (MSCS)
The charity operates three multidisciplinary social cent￿S {MSCs), two in Elbasan and one in Peqin. These
centres provide various forms of aid. including hot meals, education. and social services to underprivileged
community members.
Bread of Life MSC (Elbasan): Serving approximately 75 elderly individuals with daily hot meals during
every day from 9.00 - 14.(Kl this ￿ntre provides a safe space for social interaction and food assistance is
provided at home for those in need.
Kindergarten Programs: Each centre operates a kindergarten, offering early childhood education,
meals, and supportive services for children facing socio*conomic hardships. These programs also include
after-school clubs, promoting awareness on preventing child exploitation, violence, and trafficking.
Community Support: The centres are instrumental in encouraging impoverished families to prioritize
education fortheir children, even as financial strains might otherwise lead to children working or begging.
2. Foodbank Project
AID TO THE BALKANS {UK) collaborates with Foodbank Albania, positioning A2B a5 the distribution hub for
food aid in Elbasan and neighbouring areas. During this operational year, over I,(K)O individuaSs received
essential food supplies. One dedicated staff memberoversees the project, ensuring efficient delivery to those
in critical need across the Elbasan prefecture.
3. Famlly Link Project
The Family Link Project connects UK sponsors with 30-35 families in Albania who face severe poverty. This
program provides consistent food parcels and financial aid for rent, medical expenses, and educational
support. Most beneficiaries are referred by social sep41￿5 and lack othermeansof support due to family crises
or the loss of a primary income provider. A2B also facilitates access to essential government benefits and
offers parenting workshops, job placement assistance, and support with educational expenses for children.
Case Study: the °Selimi° family
The Selimi family were referred to A2B by social services due to severe poverty and mental health challenges.
When A2B workers first met the family, the frle youngest children were alone. as the parents, both facing
mental health issues, had left the home. The oldest boy, around 9 or 10, was in charge of the others, greeted
A2B staff with joy despite his limited verbal skills, communicating mostly through sounds and gestures. As he
grows, he faces frustration with his inability to communicate effectively, which sometimes leads to
aggression-a challenge in a crowded home where all siblings share a single room.
The famil(s living conditions were poor. with sparse, worn-out furniture and unsafe electrical wiring. A2B
lobbied the local government on behalf of the family for over a year to provide appropriate support for the
family and to make essential repairs, eventua51y Succeeding in securing basic electrical improvements and
plastering. Oncethese were completed, A2B provided new fumiture. beds. chairs, and essential kitchen items,
helping the family learn how to use and maintain them.
Two months later, A2B returned to find the home in disarray, with litter and uncleaned surfaces. Despite the
challenges, some improvements were visible, such as a cleared garden area and a reliable water supply.
Supporting this family requires long term support. A2B has since organised a regular work team to assist this
family in maintaining cleanliness and learning essential life skills, hopingthat sustained supportcan help them
build a safer, healthier home environment.
4. House of Opportunity
The House of Opportunity offers vulnerable young adults. often at risk of trafficklng. a safe environment as
they transition from State care to independence. This project provides life ski115 training, counsel1in&
employment support, and secure housing with on-site guidance from house parents. Despite recent
challenges, the project ha5 5uccessfulty continued to operate, helping these young individua15 build brighter
futures.
Page 3

AID TO THE BALIWIS UK
A2B
Re
ort of the Trustees
for the Year to 31 March 2024
Case Study: Ledio's story.
Ledio grew up in an environment marked by poverty, corruption, and the pervasive influence of criminals in
his community. Llke many in similar circumstances, he sought an escape and, as a teenager, began
experimenting with drugs, influenced by local gangs. This dangerous path led to a near-fatal overdose, and
only after an emergency intervention was he resuscitated. During his recovery, Ledio made a profound
decision to turn his life around and nevertake drugs again.
Local authorities, social seniices brought Ledio's situation to the attention of A2B, which extended him an
invitation to join the House of Opportunity (HOP) in Elbasan. He￿, he found a safe environment away from
past influences and began learning the skills needed to build an independent life. Coming from a background
with limited education and no exposure to modern amenities like washing machines, cookers, or even
shower, Ledio faced a steep learning curve. But with the guidance and 5UPPOrt of the HOP community, he
gradually adapted to his new life.
At HOP, Ledio enrolled in a vocational course in electrical work. He dedicated himself fully to his studies and
successfully achieved his electrician certification. With this qualification. Ledio secured a job in firana, the
capital of Albania. He has since moved out of the HOP and now rents an apartment with his cousin, continuing
his journey as an apprentice electrician with aspirations of becoming fully qualified.
Ledio remains closely connected to the House of Opportunity. often visiting to see his friends and mentors.
Reflecting on his transformative experience. he shares, "This is my home- my family that changed my life.
5. Children's Camps
In August 2023, A2B continued its traditional month-long children's camp, welcoming over 100 participants.
These camps offer diverse activities such as sports, crafts. and educational workshops. Parents of participants
were also engaged through evening sessions on positive parentin& Strengthening family bonds and
emphasizing the importance of education.
6. Additional Support Initiatives
Smaller projects continued to address urgent needs, including funding for medical expenses, and supporting
participation in regional training events. One notsble actNity included sending representatives to a
conference in Moldova, where A2B exchanged insights with other NGOS, continuing to develop the network
with FSCI and connected charities.
7. istep
The istep project organises computer Cou￿5 for children and young people. These courses are held twice a
year in Albania, with a team of 6-8 professionals from Switterland. Throughout the year, this face-to-face
training is followed up through the provision of online sessions every other week. istep also provides all the
necessary materials, including computers. photocopiers. video projectors, and various other equipment to
support the learning process.
8. AMOS
Delivers high-quality goods to those in need, transporting them from Gemiany by truck. These goods, which
include refrigerators. washing machines, beds. and mattresses, are distributed free of charge to poor families
through our various projects.
Page 4

AID TO THE BALKANS UK
A2B
Re
ort of the Trustees
for the Year to 31 Marth 2024
Staffing in Albania
AID TO THE BALKANS (UK) supports the employment of dedicated staff in Albania to maintain and expand the
organization's reach and effectiveness:
6 Teachers
S Cooks
2 Social Workers
3 Cleaners
3 House Parents
2 Directors/Managers
Volunteers from local youth groups and churches
Trustees and Leadership in the UK
Board of Trustees
Sam Whitmarsh- Chair
David Ayrton- Treasurer
Andrew Davie5
Tracey Bishop
Mark Appleby resigned as a trustee in December 2023. The trustees express their heartfelt thanks to Mark
for his dedication and contributions over the past year. Though he is stepping down from his role as a trustee,
Mark will continue to support A2B in new ways.
Looking Forward
We extend our deep gratitude to each supporter and partner who makes our work possible. AID TO THE
BALKANS (UK) looks forward to the coming year, confident that our collective efforts will continue to make a
difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in Albania.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Aid to the Balkans UK {A2B) is a grant funding organisation to its partner charity in Albania, A2B Albania; this
has been the case for the entire year to 31 March 2024.
Giving and other income received to fund A2B's work duringthe year amounted to £64,243 (2023: £103,610).
Whilst this a significant reduction year on year, the leve5 of income received is in line with the average in prior
years. Gift Aid tax relief is a principal element of the Charl￿S income. and the amount received during the
year, £11,690, represents 22% of totsl donations (2023: 14%).
Grant funding to A2B Albania reduced by around 7.5% to £72,877 (2023: £78.795) including some £20,877
granted for specific purposes (2023: £19,712). As against that, the Albanian Lek has strengthened against
Sterling by around 6% during the year providing an exchange rate gain on funding forthe work of A2B Albania.
A2B UK have reviewed funding after the balance sheet date and the Charitys core funding commttment to
A2B Albania has been met.
Giving to the Family Link programme and associated family support amounted to £14,636 (inclusive of Gift
Aid). Some £5,581 was also received to part fund Another Life Centre in Peqin, Albania. Other appeals and
restricted receipts comprised £625 given to 5UPPOrt the Bread of Life Centre and £69 for the House of
Opportunity Project. The analysis of those funds is shown at note 5 to the accounts. All such giving is granted
to A2B Albania, without deduttion, the month after receipt.
There was an unrestricted fvnd deficit for the year of £9,028 and a restricted fund surplus of £34. On 31"
March 2024, the Charity's funds comprised those on deposit in the UK. being£21,754. Of this, restricted funds
comprised £2,162 including £5(K) held on account atthe year end and paid to A2B Albania in April 2024, more
fully described under note 6 to the accounts. No funds were in deficit.
Page 5

AID TO THE BALKANS UK
Re
ort of the Trustees
for the Year to 31 March 2024
Reserves policy
The trustees, policy on reserves is to maintain cash and bank deposits sufficient to meet short term
requirements. On 31 March 2024, the unrestricted fund balance covered just under 4.5 month's average
core funding grant to A2B Albania.
STATEMENT OF TRusfEES' RESPONSIBIUTIES
Charity legislation require5 trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year. The trustees are also
responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records. for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularitie5.
The trustees declare that they approved the Trustees Report on 27 November 2024.
For and on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
Dr Sam Whitmarsh - Chairman
Trustee
Page 6

AID TO THE BALKANS UK
A2B
Inde
endent examiner's re
ort to the trustees of Aid to The Balkans UK
A2B
nth 1168468
I report on the accounts of Aid to the Balkans UK {A2B) for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are
set out on pages 8 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and exarniner
The charity'5 trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"the ACV).
The charitys trustees consider that an audit is not required forthis year under section 144 of the Act
and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow the appltcable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)Ib)
of the Act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basls of Independent examinerfs statement
My examination was conducted in accordance with general 01￿ctiOnS given by the Charity
Commi55ion. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning
any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be
required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whetherthe accounts present a
'true and fairf view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's ststement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me
cause to believe that in, any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities 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.
DerekGadd
30 Conyers Way.
Gt. Barton
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP312SW
Date: 29 - 11 ￿024
Page 7

Aid to the Balkans UK (A2B) {re8iStered charity no. 1168468)
Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets
For the year ended 31 Mar¢h 2024
2024
Unrestricted Restricted
fund5
funds-note 5
2023
Total
fund5
Total
funds
Recelpts
Voluntory income
Donations and gifts re￿iVed in the UK
Interest..
UK bank accounts
Note5
34,343
17.730
52,073
90.801
133
Other income
Refund of Income Tax (Gift Aid)
8,509
3,181
11.690
12,676
Total receipts
43.332
20,911
64,243
103,610
Payments
Dirert charitGble expenditure
Grant funding: A2B Albania
52,000
20￿77
72.877
78,795
Other ¢7dministrative expenses in UK
Bank charges
Travel expenses
Staff development
360
397
971
500
1,868
360
360
Total payments
52.360
20.877
73.237
80,663
Excess receipts/{payments)
Transfer between funds
{9,028)
18.994)
22.947
Net (payments) after transfers
{9,028)
18,994
22.947
Reconciliation ot tund balances
Total balance5 brought forward at i April 2023
Net Ipayrnents) after transfers
8aSance on Agency account at 31 March 2024
Fund balances carried forward at 31 March 2024
28,620
(9.028)
1,628
34
5(X)
2,162
30.248
18.994)
5(K)
21,754
7.301
22,947
19.592
30,248
Statement of assets
UK bank balances
19.592
2.162
21.754
30,248
30,248
21,754
The accounts and notes on pagesS-10 were approved on 27 November 2024
and signed on behalf of the trustees by-.
Mr D Ayrton
Trnstee

Aid to the Balkans UK (A2B) (registered charity no. 1168468)
Notes to Receipts and Payments Account
For the year ended 31 March 2024
l. ACcou￿￿NG POUCIES
Accounting basis
The accounts, including notes thereto, show all funds which are governed by the Charity presented on a cash
recelved and paid basis. The accounts are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act
2011.
The statement of ￿￿ipts and payments show donated income re￿iVed and expenditure incurred in the
UK. The Trustees do not have opelational over5ite of the overseas charity, A2B Albania
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitsble objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for specified purposes within the objects of the charity. Restriction5 arise
when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financlal
statements, where applicable.
Glft Aid tax refunds are apportioned across funds on an attual basis in accordance with undertying gift aid
income. All costs are UK administrative costs and are allocated to the general fund.
2. GRANT FUNDING
The trustees do not dlrectly oversee the operational management of charitable activates in Albania having
fully ceded the responsibility to the trustees of the sister charity estsblished in that countryi A2B Albania. A2B
in the UK have pledged to continue to rdise money and provide on-going grant funding for the core charitable
activities and, grant funding shown in the Receipts & Payments account is made wholly to A2B Albania. That
charity is subjert to funding terrns and conditions including reporting obligations to A2B UL As part of their
due diligence, the trustees re￿1ve six monthly reports from Albania and visit the projects, when feasible, to
ensure monies are being expended in accordan￿ with the purposes for which grants are made.
During the year core funding was £4,OLK) per month which helps to finan￿ the Bread of life Centre coverlng
Staff and other direct costs. In addition, funding is provided through the Famity Link programme and for Other
projetts and specific appeals. The detsils are shown in note 5, restricted funds analysis.
3. GUARANTEES AND SECURED DEBTS
The trustees confirm, in accordance with the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Generdl) Regulations
2012. that at year end the CIO did not have any outstsnding guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured
on assets of the CIO.
4. TRusfEES' REMUNERATION AND 8ENEFTfs No
trustee was paid remuneration during the year.
No expenses were relmbu￿ed to trustees during the year (2023.. trovelling expenses of £971 poid to I
trusteej . Any expenses that are incurred are wholly for operating CA)sts within the objects of the Charity.

Aid to the Balkans UK (A2B) (registered charity no. 1168468)
Notes to Receipts and Payments Account
For the year ended 31 March 2024
5. RESTRICTED FUNDS ANALYSIS
At tstAprfl
2023
Receipts
Fund
lincludlng Expenses transfers
Gfft Aid)
At 31st
March 2024
Family Link Programme
Centre - Peqin
562
Other specific appeals=
House of Opportunwty
Bread of Life Centre
1.1
1.228
14,636
5,581
14,764
5,419
Another Life
69
69
625
625
1,628
20,911
20,877
The Family Link Programme supports and encourages financtal and relational links between UK donors and
familie5 in need in Albania.
Another Life Centre at Peqin. Two strearns of funding a￿ re￿iVed and granted to Albania: part funding for
the Centre as a whole started after initial third-party fvnding ceased: and, on%oing 5UPPOrt to help operate
and stsff a kindergarten; a place of safety and earty education for local children. The funding for the
klndergarten project ￿aSed during the year.
Other spedfic 8ift& Funding for specific operational needs Identified by the managers of A2B Albania or A2B
UK Trustees:
House of Qpportunity: Gift5 received for the refuge established for young people, run by A2B Albania and
mainly funded by third parties.
Bread of Life Centre: Gift received speaally for the B￿ad of Life Cent
. AGENCY ACCOUNT
During the year an appeal was made d1￿CtlY by A2B Albania for support for a family in Albania. Whilst Aid to
the Balkans (UK) were not directty involved in the appeal, the Chartty was used as a vehicle to transfer monies
to A2B Albania by Stewardship, and two tranches of money totslling £5.5(Kl were received towards the end of
the financial year. £5,(KM) was trdllsferred in March 2024 and the balance of £5CK) held on account at the year-
end was trdnsferred to A2B Albania in April 2024.
10