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← The Hummingbird Refugee Project

2024-09-30-accounts

The Hummingbird Refugee Project Annual Report 2023-2024

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT | REGISTERED CHARITY NO.1174970 | 1ST OCT 2023–30TH SEPT 2024

Contents Contents
Welcome from Amina 1
Update from our Ambassador 2
From our Founder-Director 4
Meet our Team 5
Hummingbird Services 7
Global Social Club 8
Be Well Be Heard 9
Learning Space 10
Young Leaders 10
Youth Board 12
From our Chair 13
Meet our Trustees 14
Treasurer’s Report 15
Trustee’s Statement 17
Accounts 19

Welcome from Amina Hummingbird Young Leader

My name is Amina, and I am from Afghanistan. Before coming to the UK, I was an English teacher for almost five years with JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service). Teaching was not just a job; it was my passion and my way of empowering young girls. Now, in my country, education and work for women and girls are banned. That future was taken from us.

When I arrived in the UK, I came to Brighton not knowing a single person. I felt completely alone, in a new country, with a heavy heart and an uncertain future. Then I found the Hummingbird Project, and my life began to change in ways I never imagined.

Hummingbird became my second home, a place where I could be myself, where I was welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. I found friends, mentors, and a true sense of belonging. Through the Young Leaders programme, I gained confidence, new skills, and belief in my abilities. I graduated from that programme feeling stronger than ever. I am still actively involved in the Young Women’s group, a space filled with love, solidarity, and sisterhood. In addition, as a member of the Youth Board, I am proud to have a voice and to help shape the future for others like me.

Sometimes, I also join the Learning Space, where I got help solving my GCSE English and Math questions, a small thing that made a big difference in my education. I also enjoy the Global Social Club, where I connected with even more people from different backgrounds and cultures. We had fun, laughed, played games, and created memories together; moments that made me feel truly part of a community. Hummingbird is the place where I can improve myself, stay connected, and achieve all my goals. It is where my dreams feel possible again. It is where I am not just surviving but I am thriving.

They also supported me through some of the hardest moments. When I struggled with my mental health, Hummingbird referred me to NHS Talking Therapies, which helped me find hope and healing. Moreover, when I needed help reuniting with my family, who are still not safe in Afghanistan again, Hummingbird stood beside me. They referred me for Exceptional Case Funding, which was accepted, and now I am waiting for a solicitor while the process continues

Being here in the UK, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity. I want to be a role model for my former students and for every girl and woman in Afghanistan who is still being silenced. I carry their hopes with me every day. I can say that sometimes life is so harsh but there are kind people like the one hummingbird community to make everything easy for you. The Hummingbird Project did not just help me; they lifted me, reminded me of my worth, and gave me the tools to rebuild my life. I will always be grateful for the incredible family that believed in me when I did not yet believe in myself. Thank you so much, love you all and your kindness and support always remain in my heart.

1

Update From Our Ambassador

Naqeeb Saide He/Him Hummingbird Ambassador and Specialist Support Worker

A Year of Purpose and Possibility This year has been one of connection, growth, and deep purpose.

I’m very happy to address you again as the Hummingbird Refugee Project Ambassador. A role that continues to be both an honour and a responsibility. It has allowed me to step into classrooms, colleges, and community spaces sharing stories, challenging narratives, and building bridges between young people from all walks of life.

My focus has been on engaging with schools and colleges including leading academic institutions to spark honest conversations about forced migration. Through storytelling rooted in lived experience, I’ve helped students explore what it truly means to seek safety, and how refugees contribute powerfully to the communities they become part of.

From delivering interactive sessions at Benfield Primary School, to co-leading the Global Social Club at BHASVIC College, and training mentors at Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, I’ve seen how young minds grow when they are encouraged to think with empathy and act with courage. At the heart of every session, I share one Refugees are message:

At the heart of every session, I share one Refugees are message: Refugees are not defined by their past. not defined by They are shaped by their strength. their past. They I share stories of people who came to the UK seeking safety and stayed to lead. are shaped by Leaders, athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs. People like: their strength. e Regina Wessely, who fled Nazi-occupied Austria and co-founded Wessely’s, a London-based jewellery brand.

These stories matter. They remind us that refugees don’t just rebuild—they lead, create, and build legacies.

But I also speak of quiet heroes: young people starting again after loss, finding belonging in classrooms, standing up for others, and shaping their own futures.

At Benfield, after one session, students wrote poems and letters to the council pledging to stand with refugees. Their action reminded me:

Change doesn’t need permission. It needs heart.

That spirit guides my work. A belief that nationality doesn’t define us. Personality isn’t about where you’re from, it’s about how you rise. It’s about flying beyond borders and daring to lead with kindness, courage, and conviction.

Beyond schools, I’ve spoken at Refugee Week with LOSRA in Lewes, led inclusion workshops for TrustedHousesitters, and contributed to policy discussions at the University of Sussex, advocating for more accurate and humanising representations of young people in media and politics.

These platforms are powerful - not because I’m speaking, but because every time a young refugee’s voice is heard, we remind the system:

We are not problems to solve. We are people with power, potential, and pride.

To everyone who has supported this work thank you. You are part of a growing movement that refuses silence, stigma, or separation. Together, we are changing the narrative.

As I continue in my role as Hummingbird Ambassador, I carry stories with me. I lift others up. And I continue to show that when young refugees lead, entire communities grow stronger.

We are not problems to solve. We are people with power, potential and pride.

From Our FounderDirector

Elaine Ortiz She/Her

As I reflect on the past year, it has been both unforgettable and challenging for the young people accessing our services, our team, and our sector as a whole. We witnessed continued hostility towards refugees from the previous government, notably with the implementation of the ‘Safety of Rwanda Act,’ which granted powers to forcibly remove individuals seeking asylum from the UK. It was part of an unrelenting level of hostility towards refugees perpetuated by the government and mass media.

In July 2024, a new government was elected, and we welcomed the end of the inhumane Rwanda plans. However, just weeks later, violent far-right riots erupted across the country, leading to attacks on spaces where refugees were accommodated. These horrific events instilled fear and deepened the sense that those seeking safety here were unwelcome.

We were proud to see the local resistance to the racist riots when thousands of people turned up in Brighton to support refugees at the counter protest in our city. It showed the sheer volume of people in our community ready to stand up for refugees and racialised communities and it offered comfort to many young people we work alongside.

Despite these encouraging moments, we faced a significant drop in funding at a critical time, stretching our teams and our capacity as the complexity of our work increased.

As we conclude this financial year, it is evident that we must reassess our operations to sustain our work moving forward. Alongside this, there is a need for strengthening ourselves as a community in order to best support young people who have been profoundly affected by the events of this year.

I want to give my gratitude to all of the young people who access our services, our staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters and funders for showing the best side of humanity. The side that stands together, cares for each other and steps up in a time of injustice.

Meet Our Team

Kate Valentine Finance & Administration Officer (She/Her)

Sangeeta Banerjee Finance & Administration Officer (She/Her)

Joe Trueman Fundraising Manager (She/Her)

Hannah Furuwaka Learning Space Lead (She/Her)

Bex Large Young Leaders Programme Lead (They/Them)

Rosie Cava-Beale Young Leaders Support & Engagement worker (She/Her)

Elaine Ortiz Founder - Director (She/Her)

Amira Rady Youth Service Manager (She/Her)

Mel Gould Global Social Club Lead (She/They)

Meet Our Team

Lucy Hunton Be Well Be Heard Team Lead (She/Her)

Roz Doe Specialist Support Worker (She/Her)

Martin Hawes Senior Specialist Support Worker (He/Him)

Svetlana ScheckRamzy Specialist Support Worker (She/Her)

Esme Kemp Young Women’s Specialist Support Worker (She/Her)

Naqeeb Saide Specialist Support Worker & Hummingbird Ambassador (He/Him)

Hummingbird Services a snapshot

The Hummingbird Refugee Project is a multi-award winning organisation that runs youthcentred services and activities for young people. Our services are designed to provide our members with the care and support they need, and a platform to promote youth-led action.

Our services support young refugees between the ages of 14 and 25, many of whom arrived in the UK as unaccompanied children. The project is based in Brighton, and works with those living in the city and across East and West Sussex.

We work collaboratively with young people so that they can design and steer the services around them. We pride ourselves on our participatory approach to youth work, always valuing the expertise and lived experiences that each young member brings.

Global Social Club Be Well Be Heard 297 35 young people attended young people supported Young Leaders Learning Space 24 49 young people attended young people attended total young people supported over the year 318

Global Social Club

Global Social Club (GSC) is our busiest service welcoming young people aged 14-25. It provides a safe and supportive space where young people can get involved in different activities, socialise and have their ideas and voices encouraged each week.

The core of GSC is having fun, making friends and connections as well as receiving support. Alongside our youth club, GSC facilitates a year long program of events and opportunities, such as hjsahjsahregular trips and residentials with our partners in the community.

This year saw 297 incredible young people attend our weekly GSC.

Our Calm Space that was co-created in June 2023, continues to run effectively, providing a necessary break-out space for young people who need it. We also welcomed our first cohort of Welcome Buddies to the space, which are young people who we recruit and then train to help assist new starters at GSC feel welcome and supported.

We were also able to provide a number of trips this year including a Bowling trip in March 2024, which proved very popular, Youth Takeover days that took place during

school holidays and took GSC to the forest in October 2023 with Nest Collective and Sussex Surplus. It was a joy to work with world class musicians; take a walk in nature; cook together on open fire; and sing together in the forest. As a shared cultural space, we have continued our traditions of different festivals being celebrated including Vietnamese New Year, Ramadan (with Ramadan lanterns), Eid, Nawroz shja

and Easter. In December 2023 we also organised and attended the Burning of theshja Clocks event at Brighton Beach.

Other highlights include partnering with Music Action who visited GSC several times and also supported our Hummingbird Refugee Week event with sound system and support, putting GSC on at the Level over the hot summer months as a chance to get outside and play sports, a visit from Good Gym, and participating in litter-picking on the Greenway, a trip to the i360 and we put on ‘A Hummingbird Welcome event' during Hummingbird Refugee Week that included a lovely open mic with poetry, speeches and music collab across teams.

Going forward, we hope to continue to provide a safe, welcoming, empowering and well-supported space at Global Social Club.

Be Well, Be Heard

Be Well, Be Heard is our 1:1 advocacy and support service for young people. Our team work with young people on a short and/or long-term basis to help them with needs such as housing, mental health, asylum claims and their wellbeing. Our aim is to help young people feel safe, heard and supported.

We work holistically and responsively with young people, assisting and standing alongside them as they navigate the many complex systems in the UK. This year there has continued to be a demand on services and we had to close our waiting list to be hdkshable to keep up with demand, reset and embed the support we were already providing to young people. We had a number of staff changes within the Be Well Be Heard team that led to a decline in new young people that we were able to offer support to, however we have focused our efforts on reinforcing the support we offered to our young people already supporting. We are planning to recruit two new members of staff to join the BWBH team in January 2025.

The biggest challenges facing young people have been around street homelessness, health and wellbeing, access to education, poverty and limited access to mental health services. We have been operating within a context that has seen many services having to close, which is placing greater strain on Hummingbird and less and less options for young people. We have been proud to see great resilience in young people as they face these issues. Over the course of the year we have seen 35 amazing young people and feel incredibly privileged to witness them make progress in moving through their challenges, arriving in more positive places in their life.

Learning Space

Learning Space is a weekly drop-in educational and language support session with qualified teachers. Through the service, young people have a chance to catch up if they have missed education due to leaving their home country or if they are facing language barriers, and can access support to help them navigate the UK education system.

This year, 49 young people accessed this service. Created directly in response to requests from young people, Learning Space has been able to offer one-to-one support or work in small groups with teachers, regardless of subject or level. The space is supportive, relaxed, and welcoming. This year Learning Space has been mainly focused on provision to young people who were moved into the Eastbourne asylum hotels. We saw an increase in numbers of people attending due to this. We put on collaborative events with Launchpad Collective and Refugee Education.

Challenges faced were mainly around the accessibility of ESOL courses, and many young people were approaching Learning Space with support needs surrounding ESOL.

We are particularly proud to have been able to offer one young person a dedicated mentor for the entire year, and another young person support to get into University.

Young Leaders

Young Leaders is a youth-led weekly group, where young people work together to amplify their voices and change the narrative around what it means to be a refugee. This year, 24 young people were welcomed to the service. We were continually inspired by the grace and resilience of young people who during the program, faced crises with their immigration status, housing and mental health.

One of the impacts of the hostile environment has been spreading fear and uncertainty, plus practical barriers to housing and education. Many of our young people were experiencing huge insecurity with housing, threat of being sent to Rwanda or Bibby Stockholm, being sent outside of Brighton to London where they had no community, friends, being pulled out of education or volunteering opportunities.

It is against this backdrop that the Young Leaders strove to be a supportive, safe, and responsive community. Young people gained important skills that supported their everyday lives such as being empowered to creatively use their voice and become changemakers and develop their power from within.

Mindful Mark Making workshop for our Arts in Wellbeing Session November 2024.

Some of the themes that we addressed from this cohort of young leaders included Teamwork and Connection, Storytelling and Public Speaking, Social Action Intro, Arts and Wellbeing, Media and Power and Politics.

This year we were pleased to have been able to organise a trip to the House of Lords - Speaking with politicians and connecting with Baroness of Moulescoomb who showed us around. We also received a visit from MP Sian Berry who answered young people’s questions about migrant rights.

The young people also produced a Young Leaders Zine - A printed publication that explores refugee identity through poetry and art.

As challenges for young people continue, Young Leaders will continue to work to support those affected by hostile policies to find their voice in community and stand up for their rights to become change makers in the future.

Artwork by a Young Leader, 2024

Youth Board

In September 2024 we relaunched our Youth Board! Based on the learnings from our previous Youth Boards, we held our first Youth Board meeting, which was co-chaired by recent graduates of Young Leaders. The young people were up-skilled to prepare for the meeting and did an incredible job at leading the session, managing to create a full agenda and coming up with some great ideas to take back to the Hummingbird team. Youth Board voted to continue with regular meetings, so a more direct pathway to Youth Voice is open!

From Our Chair

Neha Hampton Patel She/Her Chair of the Board of Trustees

This past year has tested us in ways we could not have imagined. Against the backdrop of a political landscape increasingly defined by anti-immigration rhetoric and rising hostility toward those seeking sanctuary, the environment for refugee and asylum-seeking communities in the UK has become more uncertain and more unjust. In Brighton, as across the country, the young people we work with continue to feel the weight of these policies — not just through the headlines, but in their everyday lives. And yet, amidst this growing tide of division, our mission remains clear: to stand beside them with unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.

The funding landscape has only grown more challenging, with soaring needs, increased costs and diminishing resources. Grant approval rates are falling, while frontline organisations like ours are stretched to meet growing demand. And still, we persist. Through creativity, collaboration, and the tenacity of our staff and volunteers, we have adapted, reimagined, and re-committed ourselves to building a space of safety and belonging. This year has demanded more of us — and of our community — than ever before, and together we have risen to meet it.

What fuels our work, above all, are the young people we serve. Their strength, courage, and unrelenting hope in the face of unimaginable hardship continue to humble and inspire us. These are not stories of despair, but of determination, of young people building new lives, claiming their voice, and refusing to be defined by the systems that marginalise them. Their journeys remind us that resilience is not passive endurance, but a powerful act of resistance and self-determination.

To our funders, our partners, our volunteers, and our community — thank you. You have stood with us when it was hard to do so. Your generosity, advocacy, and solidarity have been nothing short of vital. And to our team — thank you for your tireless energy and your belief in a better, fairer future. Together, we are building more than a service; we are nurturing a community of welcome, justice, and hope.

Meet Our Trustees

Neha Patel Hampton (Chair) (She/Her)

Atiya Gourlay (Treasurer) (She/Her)

May Anderson (She/Her)

Elisa Sandri (She/Her)

Katie Tong (She/Her)

Tom Hipwood (He/Him)

Damien Robert Richard Williams (He/Him) (He/Him)

Treasurer’s Report

Atiya Gourlay She/Her

Trustee & Treasurer

As the treasurer, it is my responsibility to provide a comprehensive overview of our financial performance and budget projections for the upcoming year.

In line with our Board of Trustees' cost-of-living agreement, staff salaries increased by 5% in August.

The fundraising post we recruited in the previous financial year continues to focus efforts on securing long-term grants that help to ensure stability across the services, and is central to supporting community fundraising initiatives and developing our valued relationships with funders and donors.

This has been our hardest year for fundraising since the organisation was founded ten years ago. Unfortunately this has meant that we have ended the year with low reserves. The year has seen significant challenges within the financial landscape. We are now working to to review where any savings can be made, ensuring minimal impact on the services we run for young people.

However, some success from fundraising efforts has seen a number of grants secured, including a significant grant from the National Lottery Community Fund that will continue to provide sustainability for our busiest service, Global Social Club, for the next three years. Grant funding like this is essential in order for us to meet the increasing support needs of our young people.

We recognise that this financial year has ended with a net loss, and that we have had to utilise our reserves to sustain our organisation. It is our priority to build this back up over the next year to return to good financial health. This is reflective of the wider landscape; our support costs have more than doubled due to larger numbers of young people needing our services and experiencing crises such as street homelessness, access to secure and appropriate housing and harsher immigration policies as a result of new rules imposed by the Home Office.

Treasurer’s Report

With careful financial planning, an increased fundraising capacity, prudent budgeting and dynamic responses to the wider national financial challenges, we are confident in our ability to adapt our services to meet the needs of our beneficiaries within the resources available.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team, generous donors, and supportive local community for their invaluable contributions to the financial well-being of our organisation.

Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the young people we serve.

Atiya Gourlay Treasurer

Trustee’s Statement

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in-line with the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "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 2019).

Objectives and Activities

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Financial review - reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This has been a particularly difficulty year where we have had to use our reserves to keep our organisation going. We look to replenish our reserves over the coming years as we continue to strive to build and grow, investing in regular income-generation to safeguard our essential services.

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered 04 October 2017. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

F M Bates (Resigned 6 December 2023) K L Tong T G Hipwood M Beveridge (Resigned 9 October 2023) R M Williams D Robert E Sandri N Hampton A Gourlay

Trustee’s Statement

Trustees are recruited based on required skills & experience (including lived experience) for the running of the Charity. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefit from the charity. Recruitment considerations are based on a skills audit which looks at the broad needs of the charity. Recruitment is publicly advertised, taking into account a need to increase the diversity of applicants.

Short-listing and interviews take place against an agreed criteria. Interviews are carried out by a small panel which is made up of the Founder-Director, Chair of the Board, and a Hummingbird Young Leader. Each candidate is asked the same questions to ensure a fair and objective approach. Appointments of trustees are then made by a formal vote at a board meeting. All trustees go through a formal induction and are offered formal training if necessary (such as for the board Safeguarding Lead). None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up. The trustees delegate the day-to-day operations to the senior leadership team consisting of the Founder-Director and Service Manager. The senior leadership team is supported by the Service Leads, Support Workers, and Administrative staff.

Risk Management & Safeguarding

The trustees have identified risks which could impact the charity and have taken steps to mitigate those risks. All trustees and staff adhere to our Safeguarding policy and Behaviour Code, intended to ensure the protection of children and young people who access our services. All Hummingbird policies are annually reviewed. We have a dedicated Safeguarding Officer (Amira Rady), Safeguarding Lead (Elaine Ortiz), and a Trustee Safeguarding Lead (Atiya Gourlay) who are all formally trained in these roles and have professional backgrounds in safeguarding.

Signed

Neha Patel Hampton (Chair) 17/7/2025

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Hummingbird Refugee Project (the charity) for the year ended 30 September 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

F J Wilde FCCA MBA DChA

Warner Wilde 4 Marigold Drive Bisley Surrey GU24 9SF Date: ............................29/07/2025

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
186,906
190,756
Total income
186,906
190,756
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
4
4,123
-
Charitable activities
5
191,873
231,858
Total expenditure
195,996
231,858
Net expenditure and
movement in funds
(9,090)
(41,102)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 October
2023
8,252
89,489
Fund balances at 30
September 2024
(838)
48,387		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
377,662
135,593
186,228
377,662
135,593
186,228
4,123
8,959
190
423,731
153,912
194,878
427,854
162,871
195,068
(50,192)
(27,278)
(8,840)
97,741
35,530
98,329
47,549
8,252
89,489		 Total
2023
£
321,821
321,821
9,149
348,790
357,939
(36,118)
133,859
97,741

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
12
Net current assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
14
Unrestricted funds
15		 2024
£
230
56,522
56,752
(9,203)		 £
47,549
48,387
(838)
47,549		 2023
£
504
105,756
106,260
(8,519)		 £
97,741
89,489
8,252
97,741

29/07/2025 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

A Gourlay (Jul 29, 2025 14:00:29 GMT+1)

.............................. A Gourlay

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Hummingbird Refugee Project is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered on 4 October 2017 .

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.9 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
44,716
-
Grants
142,190
190,756
186,906
190,756
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Advertising
1,166
-
Other fundraising costs
2,957
-
4,123
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
44,716
58,893
-
332,946
76,700
186,228
377,662
135,593
186,228
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
1,166
1,086
190
2,957
7,873
-
4,123
8,959
190		 Total
2023
£
58,893
262,928
321,821
Total
2023
£
1,276
7,873
9,149

4 Expenditure on raising funds

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 315,145 261,891
Contractor and other staff costs 14,309 11,698
Staff and Volunteer Training 3,998 2,612
Travel and Subsistence 7,792 11,430
Beneficiary Support 4,459 8,388
Youth Consultancy 2,706 11,498
Global and Social club 27,972 6,725
Young Leaders 69 -
Crisis Fund 2,461 -
Annual report 1,500 -
Learning and Evaluation 885 -
381,296 314,242
Share of support and governance costs (see note 6)
Support 40,827 33,024
Governance 1,608 1,524
423,731 348,790
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 191,873 153,912
Restricted funds 231,858 194,878
423,731 348,790
Support costs allocated to activities
2024 2023
£ £
Office costs 11,789 6,445
Rent 20,983 19,066
Telephone and internet 1,673 1,455
Other costs 6,382 6,058
Governance costs 1,608 1,524
42,435 34,548
Analysed between:
Charitable activities 42,435 34,548

6 Support costs allocated to activities

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

6
Support costs allocated to activities
Governance costs comprise:
Audit fees
7
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements		 (Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
1,608
1,524
1,608
1,524
2024
2023
£
£
1,608
1,524		 (Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
1,608
1,524
1,608
1,524
2024
2023
£
£
1,608
1,524
1,524
2023
£
1,524

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
Number
12
2024
£
290,056
19,098
5,991
315,145		 2023
Number
11
2023
£
243,613
14,496
3,782
261,891

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

11
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Prepayments and accrued income
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
13
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2024
£
230
2024
£
5,434
2,161
1,608
9,203
2024
£
5,991		 2023
£
504
2023
£
5,563
1,396
1,560
8,519
2023
£
3,782

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

14 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1
Young Leaders
Salaries
Core costs		 October
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 30
September
2024
£
£
£
£
59,946
1,000
(29,837)
31,109
10,458
-
(10,458)
-
19,085
189,756
(191,563)
17,278
89,489
190,756
(231,858)
48,387		 October
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 30
September
2024
£
£
£
£
59,946
1,000
(29,837)
31,109
10,458
-
(10,458)
-
19,085
189,756
(191,563)
17,278
89,489
190,756
(231,858)
48,387
48,387

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

14
Restricted funds
Previous year:
At 1
Young Leaders
Salaries
Core costs		 (Continued)
October
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 30
September
2023
£
£
£
£
54,994
53,350
(48,398)
59,946
208
33,400
(23,150)
10,458
43,127
99,478
(123,520)
19,085
98,329
186,228
(195,068)
89,489

Young Leaders: grants received from Paul Hamlyn for running costs of the Young Leaders programme.

Salaries : grants received for staff salaries, including £33,400 from Tudor Trust.

Core costs : grants received to cover project-related costs across all services, as well as overheads and salaries. This includes 'Global Social Club' funded by The National Lottery.

15 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
General funds
Previous year:
At 1
General funds		 October
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 30
September
2024
£
£
£
£
8,252
186,906
(195,996)
(838)
October
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 30
September
2023
£
£
£
£
35,530
135,593
(162,871)
8,252

THE HUMMINGBIRD REFUGEE PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 30 September 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities)
(838)
48,387
(838)
48,387
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 30 September 2023:
Current assets/(liabilities)
8,252
89,489
8,252
89,489		 Total
2024
£
47,549
47,549
Total
2023
£
97,741
97,741

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).