2022-04-05-accounts

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees (TWWR)

Charity Number: 1175601 {For Charitable Incorporated Organisation}

Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Period 6 April 2021 to 5 April 2022

Page 1 of 10

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees Trustees' Annual Report for the Year Ended 5 April 2020

Reference & Administration Details

Charity name: Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees Other names charity is known TWWR by: Charity number: 1175601 Charity's operating address: 48 Newlands Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Postcode: TN4 9AU

Names of the Charity Trustees who Manage the Charity

Trustee Name	Ofce	Appointed	Retred
Florence Moon	Chair	13.02.2019
Ellie Baten		30.10.2020
Hazel Beevers		30.10.2020
Jacqui Brooks-Bunnet	Secretary	25.05.2017
Martn Brice		03.08.2018
Maura Richards		25.05.2017
Vivienne Hughes	Treasurer	25.05.2017
Naeema Anjarwalla		11.09.2019

Names & Addresses of Advisors

Name Address & Postcode Bank: Metro Bank 1 Southampton Row London WC1B 5HA Independent Maria Maltby Barley Mow House, Battle Road, Examiner Punnetts Town, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9DL

Page 2 of 10

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees Trustees' Annual Report for the Year Ended 5 April 2020

Structure, Governance & Management

Description of the Charity's Trusts

Type of Governing Document:

CIO - FOUNDATION REGISTERED 07 NOV 2017

How the Charity is Constituted: Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Trustee Selection Methods: Trustees are appointed or reappointed at the meetings of the Trustees as necessary.

Additional Governance Issues

There is a Safeguarding Policy in place and Disclosure and Barring Service checks are carried out at an enhanced level for both vulnerable adults and children for all volunteers and Trustees.

Objectives & Activities

Summary of the Objects of the Charity as set out in its Governing Document

1. For the relief of those seeking asylum and those granted refugee status and their dependents in Tunbridge Wells:

2. a. the relief of poverty or financial hardship;

3. b. the preservation and protection of good mental and physical health;

4. c. the advancement of their education and training so as to advance them in life and assist them to adapt within a new community.

5. To advance the education of the public in general about the rights, needs and issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

Summary of the Main Activities Undertaken for the Public Benefit in Relation to the Charity's Objects

Volunteers and refugees are able to request funding for such things as clothes, equipment, furniture and activities and the Trustees make the decisions on the allocation of funding according to the need and circumstances of the refugees. We are aware that various changes of circumstances can cause times of hardship and we have been able to support some of the refugees with much needed funds during these times.

From April 2021 until September 2021, we continued to be cautious because of the risks of Covid and continued to provide such things as the Conversation Classes and English tuition online. Volunteers did start meeting the refugees face to face but usually outside when the weather permitted. In September 2021 TWWR started group activities again including the weekly Conversation classes and the weekly football sessions. Face to face interactions between volunteers and refugees increased. We continued with the extra tuition for the children and young people even after their return to school as we felt they had been severely disadvantaged by the closure of schools during the lockdowns.

Page 3 of 10

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees

Trustees' Annual Report for the Year Ended 5 April 2020

We were lucky enough to obtain a grant through the National Lottery in August 2021 which was given to organisations to help them rebuild and develop communities after Covid. A working party made up of refugees and volunteers developed a programme of events which included cultural exchange trips to Greenwich and the Natural History Museum. We also had a shared picnic in a local park which was enjoyed by both refugees and volunteers and a board games session. Workshops and training were also provided such as confidence building sessions for the women, swimming lessons for women and Arabic lessons for the children.

One of the main things TWWR does is to provide a small group of volunteers for each family or individual and these volunteers are able to offer support and respond to the needs of the refugees. Volunteers undertake such things as spending time having conversations with the refugees, helping them understand cultural expectations, helping with understanding UK systems, developing English skills, taking them out, helping them apply for jobs and anything else the refugees might require. These groups of volunteers are greatly appreciated by the refugees who report feeling less isolated and lonely and that they are made to feel welcome.

All the activities described above help TWWR to meet its objectives, particularly to preserve and protect good mental and physical health. They also help with the advancement of the education and training of the refugees.

Additional Details of Objectives & Activities

All the activities we provide are completely dependent on volunteers and we have no paid workers. We are very grateful to the volunteers for all the work they put into supporting the refugees.

Achievements & Performance

Statutory Declaration

The trustees declare that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the commission in exercising their powers or duties.

Summary of the Main Achievements of the Charity for the Year

TWWR continues to support any refugees and asylum seekers we are aware of in the borough of Tunbridge Wells who want our input. The majority of our work is with the families who are refugees from Syria and have come through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (SVPRS). We also support a family who came through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and another family who came through the UK Refugee Resettlement Schemes. We work closely with Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Clarion, the support service commissioned by Kent CC to support the families. We also support another two refugee families from Syria who entered the country by other means, a young man from Zimbabwe and 4 individual refugees from various areas.

In April 2021 there were 12 families from Syria and a young male from Zimbabwe living in the borough of Tunbridge Wells and receiving our support. Since this time and up until April 2022, we have continued to support them. We have also welcomed 2 more families into Tunbridge Wells through the schemes and have helped support 4 other individual refugees or asylum seekers who were referred to us.

Page 4 of 10

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees Trustees' Annual Report for the Year Ended 5 April 2020

TWWR volunteers worked hard in collaboration with the support services to make the homes attractive and welcoming for the two new families. The volunteers also played a large part in helping the families settle into the area and understand the various expectations and cultural differences in the UK. General support was given as well as more specific tuition in English and help with finding appropriate courses or employment. When referred to us, TWWR volunteers were also able to support some asylum seekers and individual refugees such as through providing English lessons and some funds when hardship issues were identified. All the refugees and asylum seekers new to the Tunbridge Wells area commented how much the input of the TWWR volunteers helped them.

The education of the children in the families was greatly disrupted because of Covid. They missed a great deal of school because of the lockdowns and even when the schools were open, they missed some time because of themselves or others in their group having Covid. Home schooling had been particularly challenging for these families because of the language issues and also the parents had not grown up through the UK education system. TWWR decided that it would be of benefit to the children to continue to receive some tuition and we continued to fund a tutor for eight of the primary school children. We also continued to fund tuition in mathematics and/or science for 6 of the secondary pupils. We paid for the transport from school to home for one pupil living in a rural area in order to enable him to attend after school extra classes preparing for GCSEs. All parents and pupils reported that they appreciated the tutoring and it helped with the progress made by the pupils.

It was with great pleasure that in August 2021 we heard that 2 of the young people from the families had achieved A Level results that meant they were offered places at university. We were very proud of their achievements. It was exciting that a group of barristers had decided to raise funds in order to support a refugee going to university. Four young people from Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area competed for the funds and we were pleased when the barristers chose one from Tunbridge Wells. The funds were a great help to the young person and reduced anxieties about money and enabled better concentration on studies. TWWR was also able to support the second student financially to a certain extent which again helped reduce some anxieties. Both of the students also found part time work to supplement their income as the student loan does not fully cover costs.

In the area of employment, 16 of the refugees continued to work either full time or part-time. We were pleased that 6 more of the refugees started new employment during the year. When needed, we helped with such things as writing a CV, applying for jobs and the cost of travel to interviews and work until the first wage payment. Previously, we had supported someone living in a rural area have transport to his work by using the Wheels to Work scheme. This year we were pleased, through various generous donations, to be able to provide the funds to buy his own moped so that he could continue to get to work. Public transport is very limited where he lives and he has only been able to find work because he is able to travel independently.

We continued to support people with the cost of driving lessons as we feel being able to drive will enhance opportunities for work. Three people passed their practical driving tests during the year and one of these obtained a job more easily because of this. Several others took their tests and failed but it is hoped they will pass soon.

It is sometimes challenging for the mothers of small children to attend English lessons because the timing clashes with child care responsibilities and the fathers are at work. TWWR helped one mother

Page 5 of 10

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees

Trustees' Annual Report for the Year Ended 5 April 2020

by volunteers taking her child to nursery school as needed and for another family TWWR paid for extra time at a nursery. Both these mothers made progress with their English courses.

As the restrictions because of Covid became less, volunteers returned to giving lifts to the refugees for journeys it was hard to make by public transport. We were also pleased to note that those refugees who had passed their driving tests were also helping with these lifts. Some of the families have been in the UK for 5 years and have been helped by their Support Workers to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. TWWR volunteers helped to reduce concerns about attending appointments in Croydon connected to these applications by driving the families. We were aware that there were serious consequences if appointments were missed. All the families involved were extremely grateful for this support.

Throughout the year, TWWR continued to respond to requests for such things as furniture, white goods, clothes and educational equipment from the refugees. TWWR continues to try and find these through requests to the volunteers or through charity shops. If this is not possible and Trustees agree, TWWR has bought the goods.

We feel these examples show the positive difference TWWR has made to the lives of the refugees who report feeling well supported by TWWR in their ambitions to become useful members of their local community.

Financial Review

Brief Statement of the Charity's Policy on Reserves

On 5[th] April 2022 TWWR had £23,821 in the bank. Over half of these funds are restricted at the request of the donors such as for supporting students at university and supporting a family find new accommodation. The main financial risk to the charity is not receiving grants. We keep enough funds to cover around 3 months costs and to meet any unforeseen expenditure. We also apply for grants on a regular basis.

Details of Any Funds Materially in Deficit

Not applicable.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Further Financial Review Details

Funding for our work has come mainly from grants through applications to the Kent Community Foundation. We also received four grants from other providers. We were very lucky to receive funding from the National Lottery for rebuilding communities after Covid restrictions. We have some

Page 6 of 10

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees Trustees' Annual Report for the Year Ended 5 April 2020

supporters who donate on a monthly basis for which we are very grateful and we also receive some funding from the Tunbridge Wells Lotto. We have been grateful to receive some generous one off donations from supporters including support from a group of barristers for an individual going to university and support for a family looking for new accommodation.

Statutory Notes to the Accounts

Particulars of Any Outstanding Guarantee Given by the CIO

N/A

Other Optional Information

In the coming year, TWWR will continue to support any refugees and asylum seekers in the borough of Tunbridge Wells who want our help. We will provide a warm welcome to any refugees and asylum seekers new to Tunbridge Wells. We will continue with the type of support we already give and adapt this in response to requests and feedback from the refugees. It is expected that there will be refugees from Ukraine coming to Tunbridge Wells and TWWR will respond positively to this. TWWR will continue to prioritise the areas of education and employment for all the people we support. We will also endeavour to respond when people are experiencing financial hardship, either through providing funds or finding other support.

Page 7 of 10

Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the CIO for the period ended 5 April 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s statement

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

• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.

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

Signature: Lesley Baliga Date: 31/01/2023 Independent examiner Full Name: Lesley Baliga ………………………………………………… . Relevant Certified Chartered Accountant Professional (FCCA) registration number 0030737 qualification(s) or body (if any): …………………………………………………. 15 Douglas Road, Poole, Address: BH12 2AU

………………………………………………….

Page 8 of 10

	Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees	Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees	Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees	Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees	Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees	1175601	1175601		CC16a
	Receipts andpayments accounts
	For the period from		Period start date		To		Period end date
			06/04/2021				05/04/2022
Section A Receipts and payments
	Unrestricted funds		Restricted funds		Endowment funds		Total funds		Last year
	to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donations	5,564		12,000		-		17,564		7,699
Donations-events	-		-		-		-		570
Donations-appeals	-		14,243				14,243		-
Grants	-		25,303		-		25,303		13,736
Gift Aid	1,281		2,100		-		3,381		-
Bank interest	2		-		-		2		-
	-		-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-		-
Sub total(Gross income for AR)	6,847		53,646		-		60,493		22,005
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
	-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-		-
Sub total	-		-		-		-		-
Total receipts	6,847		53,646		-		60,493		22,005
A3 Payments
Charitable activities_social activities	522		4,524		-		5,045		1,743
Grants to families	5,672		10,800		-		16,472		17,950
English teaching, driving lessons, costs relating to finding employment, and other support tofamilies	-		5,639		-		5,639		3,970
Education support	-		**1,702 **		-		**1,702 **		1,566
Universitysupport	-		12,275				12,275		-
Volunteer trainingand support	-		-		-		-		-
Public awareness raising	-		-		-		-		378
Administration	-		733		-		733		409
	-		-		-		-		-
**Sub total **	6,194		35,671		-		41,865		26,016
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
	-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-
**Sub total **	-		-		-		-		-
Totalpayments	6,194		35,671		-		41,865		26,016
Net of receipts/(payments)	653		17,975		-		18,628		- 4,011
A5 Transfers between funds	-		-		-		-		-
A6 Cash funds lastyear end	531		4,662		-		5,193		9,205
Cash funds thisyear end	1,184		22,637		-		23,821		5,194

Page 9 of 10

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestncted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds ategoi¥&s Detal to n¢aroSt £ to neareAt£ to neaiest£ B1 Cash funds Ca¥h ai 22,637 Total cash funds 1,1b4 22,637 ¥xrf$ll Unrestrf¢ted funds to Trpare￿ E Rest￿¢tell nds to neare￿£ Endowm•nt lund$ to nearest£ Details Fund to whlch ot b8lon Curr•nt valué DetaiLs Ct)•t iopuon•ii Fund to whlch ¢￿t IwUonall Curr•nt v•lu• -.￿￿Onal Detsil B4 Assets retsined for the charity'5 own use Fund to whlch Amount due onal Vthen due onal DetsiL8 Swred by orE or two tr￿tee$ on of al tfr£ I[￿lee5 Date of roval Sigroture Print Name . n 01 01.21 1.02.22 Puge 10 of 10