Manchester City of Sanctuary
Annual Report
April 2021 – March 2022
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
CONTENTS
Trustees Report
Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account)
Balance sheet
Notes to the financial statements
Independent Examination
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered name Manchester City of Sanctuary Trustees Paul Hamnett Mark Kingston Johnathan Gilmore Kat Pursall Mike Waldron (Appointed July 2022) Tandrima Mazumdar (Appointed November 2022)
Resignations
Aleksandra Barton (Resigned September 2021) Jenni Pocsai (Resigned October 2021) Tony Openshaw (Resigned September 2022) Abby Ledger-Lomas (Resigned October 2021)
| Staff | Liz Hibberd |
|---|---|
| Tess Hartland | |
| Janet Anderson | |
| Principal Office | Registered Address: |
| ℅ Levenshulme Inspire, | |
| 747 Stockport Road, | |
| Levenshulme, | |
| Manchester | |
| M19 3AR |
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
Independent Examiner Mark Greeve
Bankers
The Co-Operative Bank PLC P O Box 250 Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
Annual Report: Manchester City of Sanctuary Charity 1168839
Overview
This year saw Manchester City of Sanctuary continue to deliver a range of excellent services that bring those seeking sanctuary together, to experience connection and a heart felt welcome, as well as extending those services and building more positive and effective partnerships within the VCSE sector. As we began to come out of lockdown and looked to create new ways of working together safely, we could see more clearly, the huge impact that Covid 19 had inflicted on our community. We knew, from previous studies with our group, that the lockdown had severe implications for asylum seekers and refugees, and we were keen to mitigate those as much as possible, with the services and support we offered.
During this year we belatedly celebrated our 10[th] birthday, were part of the crowd to welcome Little Amal to Manchester, led on emergency response and wellbeing provision for resettled Afghans and set up the inaugural network for Streams of Sanctuary in GM. We’re also thrilled to share that we gained Living Wage accreditation too.
Our Activities
Our core activities, ran in collaboration with a range of fantastic facilitators and volunteers, brought together 1698 people: 226 men and 1446 women. Broken down to individual attendees this is 12 men and 53 women. Over the year we delivered 171 number of sessions ranging from Ladies Coffee Mornings, yoga, wellbeing walks, dance and arts and crafts.
Sanctuary Seekers told us:
-
100% of respondents said that MCoS has had a positive impact on their life.
-
72% said that they strongly agreed that accessing MCoS events had made them feel more welcome in Manchester
-
58% said they strongly felt and 36% said they agreed that accessing our activities had led them to feel more confident.
We led on the Afghan response via the GM Step Change consortium, specifically planning and delivering a range of support and provision for children and women accommodated in hotels. This started in November 2021 and is continuing. During the time of this report, we delivered weekly sessions that saw on average 15-20 women enjoy dancing and yoga sessions, and around 20 children engage in the arts and craft activities we co-delivered with Manchester Libraries (work which saw us as finalists in the Manchester Culture Awards in the category ‘Promoting Equality and Social Justice’.) Working with a range of organisations and partners saw a joined up and collaborative response to a challenging situation, and the relationships that were established remain strong and have become embedded across the sector in a much more meaningful way ensuring that this work continues and is meaningful and has impact.
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
Sanctuary Awards
We were thrilled to continue to support an amazing range of work that took place across the cityregion in terms of the Sanctuary Awards. We worked closely with the libraries to train staff and guide them through the application process. Libraries in Manchester and Oldham have now all been awarded as they consistently demonstrated how they have made their provision accessible and welcoming to those new to the area, and those seeking sanctuary. We were very impressed with the staff and team involved in this work and know that they will go from strength to strength.
With our regional coordinator, we have set up the inaugural and first national Streams of Sanctuary Network, to promote collaboration and the sharing of best practice. This has seen around 14 different organisations meet quarterly to engage in discussions and build a support network for the city-region for those working towards the Sanctuary Award. In our first couple of meetings, we have had representatives from schools, universities, museums, sports clubs and libraries.
GM Step Change
This was the year that the Step Change Consortium came into fruition and saw 10 organisations gain funding to deliver an ambitious and city-region wide response and offer to refugees and asylum seekers. Through this consortium, MCoS has been able to secure longer term funding and be part of important and vital core work that is taking place. We are leading on the wellbeing work stream and are part of the safeguarding and leadership working groups. Through this, we are able to make a positive impact on how staff and volunteers are supported and how their wellbeing is promoted, as well as ensuring safeguarding is embedded effectively throughout the sector and that there are ways for leaders to develop and enhance their knowledge and skills. Other key focus areas are around the sustainability of this work, as well as making changes across the board to ensure those seeking sanctuary receive the same access irrespective of which borough they are dispersed to.
Our Beneficiaries
We have continued to work with our core group of sanctuary seekers, offering them opportunities to connect, make friends and build support networks, have fun and develop positive mental health and wellbeing. We have also worked with a large number of refugees and asylum seekers residing in hotels, with all the additional challenges that entails. During out impact assessment week, we were thrilled to hear such positive feedback from those we work with, as well as learning how we can continue to offer valuable and engaging activities and what we can do to improve.
They actively help and treat everyone with kindness and respect. I would like to give special thanks to Ms. Liz and Janet and all those who treat us kindly. F, Iran
Been in UK for 20 being an asylum seeker had no excess to public funds, I always found Manchester City of Sanctuary as a place of comfort away from the hostile environment. The staff, Liz especially, nothing has been too much to ask of them, they’ve been very patient with us, always serve us with a smile on their face. Recently I have been inducted at the gym, which has been amazing in lifting my spirits as I get my fitness up, I have asked for support letters on numerous occasions and my requests
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
have never been refused. Liz has always been looking forward to help and recently we had new staff supporting us who are so full of love and determination to support us with smiles on the faces, it’s been an inspirational year. A, Zimbabwe
Me and my 4 children really enjoy every activity MCoS organised! They always do something amazing! A, Iraq
Oxfam volunteering
One key success of this year has been the partnership we have developed with Oxfam. We have been able to create a volunteering opportunity for the people we work with that has seen two people start a placement there. This initial placement has allowed Fidaa and Qadir to develop a huge range of skills and has given them a routine that has enabled them to develop their English and confidence skills, so much so, that one of them now is a supervisor and supports and trains other volunteers. This is an example of how important our partnership and relationship building skills are – we plan to offer more placements like this and to encourage more people to apply to them.
Our Volunteers
We continue to be supported by a fantastic group of volunteers, from a wide range of ages and a range of nationalities and backgrounds. They support us to deliver activities, keep on top of admin, apply for funding pots, but most importantly of all, provide a welcome to those we work with. By being a friendly face at our sessions, sanctuary seekers feel supported and gain so much from their consistency.
Training
We continue to deliver awareness raising training to organisations across the sector and beyond. We regularly deliver sessions to the Libraries, to schools, GPs and others; helping them support their staff and teams become more aware and to remove key barriers to sanctuary seekers accessing services. We co-produced and delivered an international library conference as well as spoke at several events at Manchester Met University.
Our Trustees
Our trustee board continue to work hard to support the charities direction and uphold our vision and mission. They have committed to anti-racism work and have successfully ensured that we received the living wage award.
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
Our Partners
We have been very lucky to partner with such a range of incredible organisations who have added such depth and meaning to our work. Through these partnerships we have been able to offer more and ensure that the people we work with have more opportunities to connect, engage, have fun and feel part of the wider community.
Caritas Shrewsbury Afrocats Refugee Aid Chorlton Community Arts Northwest People’s History Museum/Fabric of Protest Manchester International Festival MMU/RISE GM Step Change Whitworth Art Gallery Ascension Church Ibukun Baldwin Cross Street Chapel Oxfam Jenny Roche Fiona Ledgard Janet Anderson Refugees and Mentors Ouch Mental Health First Aid Training FRODAS Manchester Libraries OddArts Music Action International Olympias Music Foundation
Our Funders
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Magic Little Grants
Tackling Inequalities Fund – Greater Manchester Sport Partnership
We Love Manchester
Ardonagh
Manchester City Council
National Lottery Community Fund
National Lottery Awards for All
CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER:1168839
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
| Incoming Resources Charitable Sources Grants Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Charitable Activities Venue and Event organising Legal and Professional Fess Wages Traveling & Subsistence Other Admin Costs Total Resources Expended Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources Total Funds Brought Forward Total Funds Carried Forward |
Restricted Funds 2022 £ Unrestricted Funds 2022 £ Total Funds 2022 £ Total Funds 2021 £ 17,815 17,815 20,034 57,484 4,067 61,551 44,100 |
|---|---|
| 57,484 21,882 79,366 64,134 |
|
| 18,621 2,442 21,063 39,510 480 480 0 181 59 240 240 20,721 10,101 30,822 23,230 166 166 0 1,897 879 2,776 3,419 |
|
| 41,420 14,127 55,547 66,399 |
|
| 16,064 7,755 23,819 (2,265) |
|
| 6,246 13,754 20,000 22,265 |
|
| 22,310 21,509 43,819 20,000 |
Charity Reference Number: 1168839
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared. All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
Charity Reference Number: 1168839
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2022
| Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total Assets Liabilities Creditors due within one year Total Liabilities Net Assets Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds |
Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2021 £ 2021 £ 2021 £ 2020 £ 0 0 22,310 24,252 46,562 21,350 |
|---|---|
| 22,310 24,252 46,562 21,350 0 (2,743) (2,743) (1,350) |
|
| 0 (2,743) (2,743) (1,350) |
|
| 22,310 21,509 43,819 20,000 |
|
| 21,509 21,509 13,754 22,310 22,310 6,246 |
|
| 22,310 21,509 43,819 20,000 |
Charity Reference Number: 1168839
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Cash flow statement
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the company is small.
Fixed assets
There are no fixed assets currently. Any future fixed assets will initially be recorded at cost.
Depreciation
Depreciation will be calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Equipment 25% WDV Building work 25% WDV Motor Vehicles 30% WDV
2. INCOME
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Donations | ||
| Donations & Gift Aid Repayment | 17,815 | 20,034 |
| Grants | 61,551 | 44,100 |
Charity Reference Number: 1168839
Manchester City of Sanctuary
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of
Manchester City of Sanctuary
Year ended 31 March 2022
I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022, which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed as the charities turnover exceeded £25,000.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, 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; and
-
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 you as 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 whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.
Charity Reference Number: 1168839
Manchester City of Sanctuary
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of
Manchester City of Sanctuary
Year ended 31 March 2022
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:-
-
(1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
To keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006, and
-
To prepare accounts that accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
Have 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.
MARK GREEVE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 10 Keswick Drive Frodsham Cheshire WA6 7LU
26 November 2022
Charity Reference Number: 1168839