AID TO THE BALKANS UK (A2B) A Charitable Incorporated Organisatlon TRUSTEES, REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charity number: 1168468
AIO TO THE BALKANS UK IA2BI CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page Legal and Administratl¥e Infomiatlon Trustees. Report 2to7 Independent Examinerf5 Report Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets Notes to the Recelpts and Payments Account Iotoll
AID TO THE BALKANS UK IA2BI LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charity Number 1168468 Registered Off ice 19 Minehe3d Avenue Sully Penarth South Glamorgan CF64 5TH Trustee5 Dr Sam Whitmarsh David Ayrton Ms Tracey Bishop Andrew Davies Bernard Bentlev Ray Flux Steven Parker Elizabeth Pollard Iresigned 8 August 20241 (resigned 8 August 2024} (resigned 8 August 20241 lèppointed 8 August 20241 (appointed 8 August 20241 (appointed 8 August 20241 (appointed 8 Au8USt 20241 Key management Richard Parsons {Operation5 Mana8erl Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Independent examiner Simon Ellingham FCA DChA Fawcetts LLP Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Windover House St. Ann Street Salisbury SPI 2DR
AID TO THE BALKANS UK (A2BI REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. This report 15 presented in accordance with the Charitles Art 2011. The Account5 are prepared on the receipts and payments ba51S. STRucfuRE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation ICIOI 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 require5 the presence of at least two or, if the number uf trustees is greater. a third of its members to form a quorum. The Board may appoint a Chairperson and revoke such appoirhtment at any time. All business 15 decided by 3 simple majority, each trustee having one vote. In the event of an equality of vote5. the Chairperson of the meeting has a second or casting vote. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees Charity trustees are elected the body of trustees by a resolution at a properly convened meeting and Serve lor a term of three years. Trustee5 retiring at the end of their term are eligible for reappointment. In selecting potential candidate5 for appointment a5 trustee. the charity trustees must have regard to the Skills, knowledge and experience of irbdividua15 to ensure their suitability to administer the CIO. There shall be a minimum of three trustees and there is no maximum. There are currently five trustees. Voluntary staff The charity benefit5 from the Services provided by volunteers. Voluntary help is not valued for the purposes of the accounts. 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 3nd error. The trustees have in place policies addres5ir)g the main operational risk area5, includlng that regarding data protection, and they aim to LlSe best practice. An appropriate level of funds will be maintained to help mitigate the main financial risks. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims A2B is an organi5ation that works to 'Lilt 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 activitie5 in Health, Education, Livelihoods and Protection, we aim to help people lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty. A2B 15 based on Christian values and principle5, believing that true human development Seeks to address all area5 of a person's life, physically, economically, emotionally and spirituallv. 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 dutie5. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities- legal The Charitable Incorporated Organisation was set up to take forward the work of Aid to the Balkans Forward Trust IA281, which operated a5 an unincorporated charity (Registered with the Charity Commission 10770881 since 1999. On l April 2017, the assets of the old chbrity were transferred to this new body and it started to operate from that date.
AID TO THE BALKANS UK {A2B) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activltles- operational Overview of Charitable Partnerships and Collaborations AID TO THE BALKANS IUKI exists to 5UPPOrt the work of A2B Albania, our affiliated partner working in Albania to serve vulnerable communities through practical help, education, and Social 5UPPOrt. This work 15 Strengthened through collaboration with a range of partner organi5ations who provide resource5, expertise, and practical a55i5tance and we would like to recognise and thank each of the following-. Foodbank Albania, FSCI UK, PARI TEC GMBH- Germany, AMOS Foundation- Germany, GAIN International- Swiss and iSTEP- Swiss, RBN Netherlands, Hope for Albania- Netherland5. Nova College CIOS Haarlem Hoofddorp- Netherlands. World Race- USA, YWAM. Fundraising and Donor Engagement During the year, Al D TO THE BALKANS IUKI continued to raise funds arhd maintain active engagement with 5LlPPOrters in order to sustain and expand A2B Albania'5 frontline work. We continued to share update5 through electronic and written communications. Strengthening donor connection and awareness of the ongoing rheed5 across the communitie5 served. Or8an15ational lrnpact: Scale and Reach Across the or8anisatSon, A28 Albanla's work continues to provide consistent weekly support to over 500 vulnerable individuals. This includes.. 170 children 75 women 192 older people 13 individuals living with di5abilitie5 49familie5 In addition to direct individual support, the charity facilitate5 multiple community groups, including parent engagement and training activities connected to the children and families served, helping strengthen resilience, safeguaTding awareness, aftd long-term wellbeing. Project Portfolio.. Key Initiatives and Impact l. Multidisciplinary Social CErttEf5 IMSCS) A2B Albania'5 Multidisciplinary Social Centres remain a core part of our charitable activity, offering multi-layered community support that 15 practical, relational, and preventative. Through the MSC network, the charity provides a safe, consistent environment where people experiencing poverty, isolation. disability. or disadvantage can access food, education, wellbeing support, and social care. Rather than operating a5 5ingle-purp05e service5, the MSCS bring multiple forms of 5UPPOrt together, enabling familie5 and individuals to receive jDined-up help that reflect5 ieal-life needs. Key MSC activities delivered during the year include= Kindergarten programmes The M5Cs provide early years education for children from lamilie5 facing significant hardship. Alongside learning and development support, children are provided with consistent mea15 and 3 Stable environment that encourage5 attendance and engagement in education. After-school club5 and child-focu5ed activitie5 The MSCS provide after-school 5UPPOrt and Structured activities that help children 11-18 remain cor¥nected to positive influences and safe spaces. These programmes a150 reinforce safeguarding awareness, including Support that helps prevent child exploitation, violence, and trafficking ii5k5.
AID TO THE BALKANS UK IA28) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Project Portfolio: Key Inltlatwes and Impact l. Multidisclplinary Social Centers IMSCS) cont. Feeding programmes and practical care Daily meal provision remains a vital component of the work, particularly for older individuals and those living in acute poverty. In addition to hot meals delivered through the centres, support is also provided to those unable to travel. ensuring care reache5 the most isolated and vulnerable. Psychosocial support for older people As well a5 addressing physical need, the MSCS provide relathonal support and safe Social connection for elderly individuals experiencing loneliness and hardship. The centres offer a consistent community environment, helping reduce isolation while ensuring people can acce55 practical help. CommunitySUPPOrt and familyengagement MSC work continues to encourage and strengthen families, including engaging parents and caregivers through community group activity and trainin& helping families prioriti5e education, navigate challenge5, and access services they might otherwise 5tru8gle to reach. 2. Foodbank Project The Foodbank Project remains a vital part of the charity's cri515 response and ongoing 5UPPOrt for households experiencing extreme poverty. Working in collaboration with Foodbank Albania, A28 Albania acts as a key distribution hub In Elba5an and surrounding areas, ensuring food aid reaches those who are most in need. This sUPPOrt enables famllles and individuals to meet basic needs while reducing immediate pressures that often lead to longer-term hardship. The project also supports the wider charity network by connecting food provision with other forms of community care and social support. 3. Family Link Project The F3mily Link Project continues to connect sponsors directly with familie5 experiencing severe poverty and instability in Albania. During this year, the project supported approximately 49 familie5, providing ongoing a55iStance with essential needs. Support provided through Family Link typically includes food provision and additional practical support where needed, including help with urgent costs such as rent, medical needs, and education-related expenses. Families supported by this programme often face Significant crises, including loss of income, disability, family breakdown, or complex health and social challenges. Case Study: Mirela is a mother of five children, living with her wider family in extremely difficult circumstances in the countryside near Elba5an. The household irhcludes seven family members, Mirela1271. her mother-in-law/grandmother 1681, and five children aged between 3 and 13. Two years ago. Mirela was a victim of domestic violence and was abandoned by her husband. Since then. she and her children have returned to live in the grandmother's home, which is already overcrowded, as they also share the property with the children's uncle and his five children. Living condition5 are very poor. and the family has faced severe hardship, with the children regularly experiencing hunger and malnutrition due to a lack of resources. Afterjoining the Family Link programme, Mirela's family now receives monthly food and hygiene package5, providing stable support for essential needs. Alongside this. we have beer) able to improve the children'5 day-to-day living situation by providing practical item5 that many of u5 take for granted. This year, the charity donated bed5, mattresses. pillows, and blankets for the children. who previously slept on the floor with only a thin blanket for cover. A2B have been able to further 5UPPOrt the family by providlng education support with the two younger children now attending the"Another Life" (ALI kindergarten in Peqin, while the three older boys are enrolled in public school, having previously received early education and care through AL Peqin. Mirela and the children's grandmother continually expre55 their gratitude for the support and care their children have received, recognising the meaningFul difference it has made to their daily lives, stability, and wellbeing.
AID TO THE BALKANS UK {A28} REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACHIEVEMENT ANO PERFORMANCE Project Portfolio.. Key Initiatives and Impact 4. House of Opportunltv The House of Opportunity provides safe accommodation and structured support for vulnerable young adults, particularly those transitioning from state care or facing heightened rlsks of exploitation and trafficking. The project aim5 to provide stability, guidance, and practical life ski115, helping Individuals build confidence and Independence. In January 2025 the House of Opportunity Programme relocated after the local government took back the previous building. During this year, the House of Opportunity supported: 5 young men - residents INing within the centre 4 young women supported in a non-resident capaclty Support includes a stable environment, mentoring, life-skills development. and practical Steps towards employment and sustainable independence, with ongolng pastoral support from the local team. Case Study: Xhullo Is now living his independent life in Tirana, and we couldn't be prouderl He grew up in an orphanage In Shkoder, and like so many who leave the Albanian care system, faced the challenge of transitioning into the world without the family support many take for granted. That's where the House of Opportunity programme IHOPI came in. After leaving the care system, Xhulio came to live at HOP for two years, where he learned essential life skills he hadn't picked up during his time in the orphanage. He finished high school alongside training to become a waiter, all while livlng In a safe and supportive environment. In 2024, he took a huge step towards independence, moving into a shared flat in Tlrana to begin his new life. This Is exactly what HOP'S mission is all about- helping young people transition out of the care system into independent living. But for Xhkjlio, HOP isn't just a stepping stone.. it's still the place he calls home. He often returns to Vislt his 'familW' here, feeling safe and 5UPPQrted by the community that helped hirn along the way. In September, Xhulio turned 23. and the Staff and friends at HOP threw him a Surprise birthday party to celebrate not only his birthday but also his successes. It W35 a joyful moment that truly reflected the deep bonds formed at HOP, showing just how much it means to those who have been part of this family. Xhulio'5 story is a testament to the lasting impact HOP has on the young people it support5, we couldn't be happier to See hiffl thriving in his new life. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for him, and we'll always be here to cheer him onl 5. Children's Camp5 Children's camps remain a key part of the charity's outreach and preventative work, providing safe and structured opportvnlties for children to experience community, learning, play* and encouragement. During this year, A28 Albania delivered thlldren's camps for approximately 200 children, across 4 locations.. Peqin Rrogozhine Pèrmet Elbasan These camps provided a mixture of sport, creative activities, games, teaching inputs, and relational support. They a150 create opportunities to engage families, strengthen positive parenting, and reinforce the importance of education and long- term wellbeing. 6. AMOS Project Support AMOS continues to provide valuable practical support by tran5POrting high-quality good5 from Germany for free distribution to families in need. These goods commonly include essential hovsehold item5 such as beds, mattresses, washing machines, and refrigerator5. This project enables the charity to respond to urgent household cri5e5 and support families moving from unstable conditions into safer and more 5UStainable livlng environments.
AID TO THE BALKANS UK IA281 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACHIEVEMENT ANO PERFORMANCE Project Portfolio: Key Initiative5 and Impact cont 7. istep IT and Computer courses The istep project organises computer courses for children and young people. These courses are held twice a year in Albania, with a tearn of 6-8 professionals from Switzerland. 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 materlals, including computers, photocopiers, video projector5, and various other equipment to support the learning process. Staffing in Albania AID TO THE BALKANS IUKI continued to support the employment of local staff in Albania to maintain ènd deliver these charitable activitles. Staffing numbers remain consistent with the previous reporting year-. 6 Teacher5 5 Cooks I Social Workers 3 Cleaners 2 House Parents I Coordinator 2 0irectors/Managers Volunteers from local youth groups, churches and a group of university students Studying Social Work or Education Trustee5 and Leadership in the UK Board of Trustees Sam Whitmar5h- Chair Raymond Flux Steven Parker Bernard Bentley Elizabeth Pollard Dovid Ayrton, Andrew Dovies ond Trocey Bishop resigned as trustees in August 2024. The trustees would like to express their heartfelt thanks for their dedication and service over many years. Collectively, these three individuals represent more than two decades of commitment to A2B, and their contribution has been instnjmental in enabling the charity to grow and continue it5 work. Looking Forward We extend our deep 8ratltude to each supporter and partner who makes our work possible. Al D TO THE BALKANS IUKI looks forward to the coming year, confldent that our collective effort5 will continue to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in Albania.
AID TO THE BALKANS UK {A281 REPORT OFTHE TrUSTEES FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FINANCIAL REVIEW Aid to the Balkans UK IA2BI 15 a grantlundlDg orRanlsation to its partner Charity in Albania, A28 Albania,. thls has been the tasefor the entire year to 31 March 2025. Giving other income received to fund A2B's work duringthe year arnounted to £60,12112D24.' £64,243). This level of income received is in line wtth the average in wioryears. Gift AKltax relief is a principal element of the Chartty's income. and the amount recetved during the year, £11,690, represents l?.8% of total donatlOn512024= 22%). GraTrt fundlng to A2B Albania Incre45ed by around 3.8%to £75,63012024: £72.8771 Includlng some £16.250 granted for specrfic purposes12D24.' £20.8771. A2B UK have reviewed fundlng afterthe balance sheet date and the ChaTIty's core funding cotnmltrnent to A2B Albaniz has bEEn rneL Givsng to the Famlly Llnk prograinme and associated familysUPPOrt amounted to £10,505 linclu5ive of Glft Aldl. Some £5,645 w8s also recelved to part fund Another fe Centre in Peqin, Albania. Other appeals and restrlcted recelpts comprised £100 forthe HDuse of Opportunity Prolec¢.The analysls of those funds 15 shown at note 5 to the accounts. All such 8lvln8 is granted to A2B Albania, without dedu¢rion, the month after receipt- There was an unre5Ericted f und deflcf( for theyèar of £IL742 and a restrtcted fund deficrt of £4,226. On 3tst March 2025, the Charlty's funtls Compris those on dep051t In the UL being £5.786, all of which was presented by unrestrlcted fufids. Reserve5 polrev Thetrustees, policy on reserves is to maintain cash and bank deposits 5ufficienttD meet short term rpquirEments. On 31st March 2025. the unrestrictcd fund tlance covered about I tnonth's average core funding grant to A28 Albania. STATEMENTOF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBIUTIES Charity legislation requires trustees to prepare accounts for eèch frllancial year. Thetrustee5 are a150 ie5poTrsrblefor maintaining adequate accountlng recoTth.f OT safeguardlng the assets of the Charlty and for preventing and detecting fraud and other Irregularities. The trustees declare that they approved theTrteeS Report on For and on behalf of the Board of TrustÈes: Vi'11 1 j IVJt}I"c 5iff
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AID TO THE BALKANS UK IA28) I report to the charity trustee5 on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are Set out on pages 9 to 11. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirement5 of the Charities Act 20111'the ACVI. I report in respect of my examination of the charitws accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting record5 were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those records; or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concernin8 the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accovnts give a 'true and fair Vie which is not 3 matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the exarnination to which attention should be drawn in thi5 report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Si on Ellin ham FCA DChA Fawcetts LLP Chartered Accountants Windover House St. Ann Street Salisbury SPI 2DR Date..
AID TO THE BALKANS UK (A2B) RECEIPT5 AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTand STATEMENT OF ASSETS FOR IHE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH ZOZ5 Futhds Unrestricted R¢$trl¢fgd 2025 2024 Total Tots Note RECEIPTS Voluntoryincome Donations znd gts receed in the UK Interest UK bank accounts Other income Gift Aid 35,913 16.250 52,163 52.073 234 234 7,724 7.724 11,690 Total re¢elpts 43.871 16,250 60.121 64.243 PAYMENTS Dire£l choritable expenditure Grantfvnding.. A2B Albania Otherudininistrctive expense5 in rhe LIK Bank charge5 Travel expen5e5 55,154 20.476 75,630 72,877 285 174 459 285 174 459 360 360 Total payments 55.613 20,476 76,Q89 73.237 NET RECEIPTSIIPAYMENTSI 111,7421 14.2261 115,9681 18.9941 Transfers between fund5 12,0641 2,064 NET RECWPTSIIPAYIVJENTS) AFTER 113,8061 IL1621 (153681 18.9941 RECONClUAo OF FUND BALANCES Total balances brought forward * l April 2024 Net receipts/lpaymentsl Balance on Agency account at 31 MaTch 2024 Fund balances carrfèd fDfv4ard at 31 Mah ZOZ5 19.592 113.8061 2,162 12.1621 21,754 115,9681 30.248 18.9941 500 21,754 5,786 5,786 Statsmgnt qf as$ets UK bank balances 5,786 21,754 The accounts were approved and authorised for is5 bythe Board of Tru5tee5 Dn slgned on Its behalf by: ndwere Dr5am Whilmarsh The note5 fortn part of these accounts
AID TOTHE BALKANS UK IA2B} NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PREPARATION OF ACCOUNTS The accounts, including notes thereto, show 311 funds which are governed by the Charity presented on a cash received and paid basis. The accounts are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. 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 dorhor or when funds are raised for specific purpose5. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund hs included in the notes to the financial staternents, where applicable. Gift Aid tax refunds are apportioned across fund5 on an actual basis in accordance with underlying gift aid income. All costs are UK administrative costs and are allocated to the general fund. GRANT FUNDING The trustees do not directly oversee the operational management of charitable activate5 in Albania having fully ceded the responsibility to the trustee5 of the 51Ster charity established in that country. A2B Albania. A2B in the UK have pledged to continue to raise money and provide on-going grant funding for the core charitable activities and, grant fLsnding Shown in the Receipts & Payment5 account is made wholly to A2B Albania. That charity 15 subject to funding term5 and condition5 including reporting obligation5 to A2B UK. As part of their due diligence, the trustees receive six monthly reports from Albania and visit the projects, when feasible, to ensure monies are being expended in accordance with the purposes for which grants are made. During the year core funding was £4,600 per month which helps to finance the Bread of life Centre covering staff and other direct Costs. In addltion, funding is provided through the Family Link programme and for other projects and specific appeals. The details are shown in note 5, restricted funds analysls. GUARANTEES AND SECURED DEBTS The trustees confirm, in accordance with the Charitable Incorporated Organisations IGenerall Regulations 2012, that at year end the CIO did not have any outstanding guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured on assets of the CIO. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS No trustee was paid remuneration during the year. No expenses were reimbursed to trustee5 during the year. Anv expenses that are incurred are wholly for operating c05tS Wlthin the objects of the Charity. io
AID TO THE BALKANS UK IA2BI NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THEYEAR ENDE031 MARCH 2025 RESTRICTED FUNDS ANALYSts Recelpts lincluding Glft Aid) At l April 2024 At 31 March 2025 Payments Transfers Family Link Programme Another Life Centre- Peqin House of Opportunity ABency account (note 61 I,ioo 562 10.$05 5.645 loo 12,833 7,018 125 500 1.228 811 25 2.162 16,250 20.476 2,064 The Family Link Programme 5UPPOrts and encourages financial and relational links between UK donor5 and familie5 in need in Albania. Another Life Centre at Peqin. Two streams of fiJndin8 are received and granted to Albania.. part fundin8 fctr the Centre as a whole started after initial third-party funding ceased,. and, on-going support to help operate and staff a kindergarten; a place of safety and early education for local children. The funding for the kindergarten project ceased durin8 the preceding year. Housè of Opportunlty.. Gifts received for the refuge established for young people. run by A2B Albania and mainlv funded by third partie5. AGENCY ACCOUNT During the preceding year an appeal was made directly by A2B Albania for support for a family in Albania. Whilst Aid to the Balkans IUKI were not directly involved in the appeal, the Charity was vsed as a vehicle to transfer monies to A2B Albania by Stewardship, and two tranches of money totallin8 £5,500 were refjVed toward5 the end of the financial year. £5,000 was translerred in March 2024 and the balance of £5 held on account at the year end was transferred to A2B Albania In April 2024. li