MAGIC FOR SMILES
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023
Charity: Registration number: Address: Trustee names:
Magic for Smiles (MFS) 1182676 77 Percy St, Oxford OX4 3AD Sioned Jones (Chair), Anne Cooper
The Trustees present their report for the year ended 31 December 2023
1. Structure, Governance, Management Structure
Magic for Smiles (MFS) is a charitable incorporated organisation constituted under the foundation model and registered on 28 March 2019.
Governance
For the reporting period the charity has two trustees and a technical adviser. The trustees were recruited in November 2020 on the basis of their ability to provide the necessary support to the charity’s mission, especially with its need to increase its funding and profile – this recruitment required skills, knowledge, experience and a willingness to give the required time. One trustee had to leave for personal reasons (Stella Jones), but we have Sioned Jones (Chair), and Anne Cooper (fundraising lead). Given the small turnover of the charity we have not recruited a replacement third trustee.
The trustees met during the year to monitor the activities of the charity against its strategic objectives and review and amend these, as well as providing support, advice and governance of the charity. Outside the meetings the Chair provided accounting and payment services to the magician. Meetings were attended by Jamie Balfour-Paul, the Founder and de-facto CEO of the charity.
Management
Day to day management of the charity is carried out, by Jamie Balfour-Paul. He is also the charity’s humanitarian magician and for this work he is employed by the charity on a self-employed consultancy basis and is remunerated on presentation of invoices. He is supported in the charity’s management by the Trustees.
2. Objectives and Activities
The charitable objects of Magic for Smiles are: the relief and assistance of refugees and other vulnerable children in the Lebanon and other countries of the Middle East and beyond through the provision of magic as a form of entertainment and psychosocial support, with a view to the relief of stress and trauma and improving the lives of such persons .
The objectives in place for the year were :
Objective 1 : MFS to become more established regionally and in the UK
Objective 2 : MFS to focus down on sustained partnerships as well as further consolidation of its spread in the region.
Objective 3: Successful sustained funding secured from at least two trusts or foundations Objective 4 : A more compassionate and fairer policy environment for asylum seekers in the UK, and a response to other regional crises where MFS could add value.
The Trustees confirm they have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on public benefit when determining the charities activities.
3. Achievements and Performance,
Objective 1: Regional and UK establishment
COVID put Jordan as hard to reach for visitors from early 2020 until late 2022. Turkey though did open earlier in 2022, so that Magic For Smiles could resume its face to face work, with mainly Syrian refugee children. It of course in 2023 suffered the horrific earthquake in the southeast region where Magic For Smiles had previously been operating in, as well as in North East Syria. Thus, it only became possible and sensible (with the focus in South East Turkey being on life saving work) to visit
Jordan during 2023. Lebanon remained on pause due to visa restrictions. These three countries were chosen when the charity was set up because they have the highest per capita refugee populations (not displaced people) in the world. Work has continued over the last few years to build a presence and partnerships, but it remains a challenge due to the impact of the COVID pandemic, other disasters and limited capacity of partners, including in doing virtual work with them. Therefore, a significant focus in 2023 was in the UK.
In total we conducted 56 events: 37 in the UK, and 17 in Jordan (including 4 workshops) – numbers were slightly down in 2022 due to reduced workshops (demand had been high but partners saw funding cuts take affect) and reduced fundraising events (fewer private parties). Total beneficiaries were 3560 (with the number if the UK being around half adult family members). By way of comparison, previous FYs saw the following: FY 2022 64 events (including 7 workshops) for 3575 children FY 2021 32 events (all shows bar one workshop) for 1515 children FY 2020 48 events (28 shows, 20 workshops) for 1574 children
FY 2019 59 events all in the Middle East (plus 9 networking & fundraising events) for 4055 children
Although funding limitations mean that we have not identified a partner organisation to conduct research to generate impact evidence, good anecdotal evidence is building up. Very positive feedback continued to be secured through the evaluations which happen after most events and with the reviews on the website https://magicforsmiles.com/reviews. The shows impact particularly on emotional benefits (especially entertainment, de-stressing and happiness), cognitive benefits (concentration, analysis and imagination) and social benefits (especially interaction, and selfconfidence) even if one off which was the majority of cases. And as regards workshops, with the number of workshops in Jordan, an impact emphasis is made on social benefits (self-confidence and self-esteem) gained through performance.
Review from a partner in Jordan:
The magic workshop training and performance organized by Magic for Smiles was truly fantastic. The children who participated were engaged, enthusiastic, and showed great progress throughout the program. The workshop was well-structured, providing a perfect balance of learning and fun.
The trainer did an excellent job of teaching the children various magic tricks and techniques. he was patient, encouraging, and made sure that each child understood the tricks and could perform them confidently. The workshop not only taught the children magic but also helped boost their selfconfidence and stage presence. It was inspiring to see how the kids blossomed and gained more selfassurance with each performance.
The highlight of the program was the final performance by the kids. They showcased their newfound skills and wowed the audience with their magic tricks. It was evident that they had worked hard and practiced diligently to perfect their performances. The pride and joy on their faces were truly heartwarming.
Magic For Smiles continued to strengthen its profile through its visibility and networking events (magic conventions) as well as on social media targeting humanitarian and magic communities.
Objective 2: Sustained partnerships
Funding cuts persist in the region with donors having less funds and shifting them to respond in Ukraine, Yemen and Gaza. This means staff and therefore key contacts leave the partner organisation, or there is just no programme for children that is not essential lifesaving. The volume
of Syrian refugees within the region, and who inspired (along with Palestinians in Lebanon) the founding of Magic For Smiles, and the earthquake in Turkey mean there is less focus on them with too many competing demands for funding, especially for shelter.
In the UK, as above where funding for the partner organisation is an increasing constraint, it is not funding for Magic For Smiles that is impacting the programme and partnership building but the change in government policies that means asylum seekers and refuges are moving from hotels, where volunteer groups could support them and arrange our shows and workshops. It also means the volunteers, with whom Magic For Smiles works, are focused on providing alternative accommodation for these vulnerable people rather than organising activities for the children and their families.
In summary, partnerships have been disrupted by funding and staff changes but within the UK Care4Calais has offered the most sustained partnership.
Objective 3: Grant funding from two trusts and increased awareness
No regular trust income was found to provide ongoing funding. However, we are very grateful for the continued and new support from several trusts with the main ones outlined in the finance section below.
Objective 4: Asylum seeker and other policy influencing as the situation dictates
The main event during the year was the Illegal Migration Bill which was passed in autumn 2023, despite many attempts at influencing especially in the Lords. The outcome is that how you reach the UK, usually with no choice overrides the reason why you fled, creating 1000s of asylum seekers in limbo. If the objective was to reduce the hotel bill, it is noteworthy that in 2002 there were more asylum claims but no reliance on hotels. Also, again through demonstrations and letter writing, much time was spent pushing back on the immorality and legal issues around the Rwanda scheme. Finally in October 2023, the war on Gaza started. From a basic humanity perspective MFS has been active in the regular protests calling for a ceasefire and an end to arms transfers.
4. Financial review
Total income for the year 2023 was £12,756 as compared to £17,007 from 2022. Expenditure for the year 2023 was £14,955 as compared to £24,002 2022 due to a greater proportion in 2022 of shows in the UK than in the region and which are costed differently. The charity does not have a reserves policy but strives to manage expenditure so that there is always at least £200 in the charity account. As of 31[st] December 2023, there was £4,539 cash in the bank.
Fundraising:
Magic for Smiles raised the majority of its funds, from donations from the general public, through its online presence on Justgiving (also on our website) via two appeals and an ongoing presence. Trust income was received from the Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust, Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust, and Leslie Farrer Brown Trust. Some partners are able to make a contribution to shows and that raised £2,124 in 2023.
We do not work with professional fundraisers.
5. Details of any funds held as a custodian trustee
No funds are held as a custodian trustee.
Annual Accounts
| Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | 1182676 | 1182676 | CC16a | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts andpayments accounts | |||||||||
| For the period from |
Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||||
| 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2023 | ||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| Grants | - | 2,000 | - | 2,000 | 6,000 | ||||
| Donations | 8,632 | - | - | 8,632 | 9,840 | ||||
| Earnedincome (donationsfromshows) | 2,124 | - | - | 2,124 | 1,167 | ||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
10,756 | 2,000 | - | 12,756 | 17,007 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| **Total receipts ** | 10,756 | 2,000 | - | 12,756 | 17,007 | ||||
| A3 Payments | |||||||||
| Humanitarian Magician | **7,994 ** | 1,100 | - | **9,094 ** | 16,350 | ||||
| IT,administration and membership | 2,643 | - | - | 2,643 | 2,466 | ||||
| Magic supplies | 130 | - | - | 130 | **881 ** | ||||
| UK travel and expenses | 1,610 | - | - | 1,610 | 1,808 | ||||
| International travel | 1,478 | - | - | 1,478 | **2,497 ** | ||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | 13,855 | 1,100 | - | 14,955 | 24,002 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| **Totalpayments ** | 13,855 | 1,100 | - | 14,955 | 24,002 | ||||
| Net of receipts/(payments) | - 3,099 | 900 | - | - 2,199 | - 6,995 | ||||
| A5 Transfers between funds | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| A6 Cash funds lastyear end | 6,738 | - | - | 6,738 | 13,733 | ||||
| Cash funds thisyear end | 3,639 | 900 | - | 4,539 | 6,738 |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories | Details | Details | Details | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | |||||||
| B1 Cash funds | At bank | 4,539 | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| Total cash funds | 4,539 | - | - | ||||||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
Agreement Error | OK | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
|||||||
| Details | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | ||||||
| B2 Other monetary assets | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
||||||
| B3 Investment assets | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
||||||
| B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use |
- | - | |||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Details | Fund to which liability relates |
Amount due (optional) |
When due (optional) |
||||||
| B5 Liabilities | - | ||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Signature | Print Name | Date of approval |
||||||
| S M Jones | Sioned M Jones | 23/10/2024 | |||||||
| Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | Magic for Smiles | 1182676 | 1182676 | CC16a | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts andpayments accounts | |||||||||
| For the period from |
Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||||
| 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2023 | ||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| Grants | - | 2,000 | - | 2,000 | 6,000 | ||||
| Donations | 8,632 | - | - | 8,632 | 9,840 | ||||
| Earnedincome (donationsfromshows) | 2,124 | - | - | 2,124 | 1,167 | ||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
10,756 | 2,000 | - | 12,756 | 17,007 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| **Total receipts ** | 10,756 | 2,000 | - | 12,756 | 17,007 | ||||
| A3 Payments | |||||||||
| Humanitarian Magician | **7,994 ** | 1,100 | - | **9,094 ** | 16,350 | ||||
| IT,administration and membership | 2,643 | - | - | 2,643 | 2,466 | ||||
| Magic supplies | 130 | - | - | 130 | **881 ** | ||||
| UK travel and expenses | 1,610 | - | - | 1,610 | 1,808 | ||||
| International travel | 1,478 | - | - | 1,478 | **2,497 ** | ||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | 13,855 | 1,100 | - | 14,955 | 24,002 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| **Totalpayments ** | 13,855 | 1,100 | - | 14,955 | 24,002 | ||||
| Net of receipts/(payments) | - 3,099 | 900 | - | - 2,199 | - 6,995 | ||||
| A5 Transfers between funds | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| A6 Cash funds lastyear end | 6,738 | - | - | 6,738 | 13,733 | ||||
| Cash funds thisyear end | 3,639 | 900 | - | 4,539 | 6,738 |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories | Details | Details | Details | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | |||||||
| B1 Cash funds | At bank | 4,539 | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| Total cash funds | 4,539 | - | - | ||||||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
Agreement Error | OK | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
|||||||
| Details | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | ||||||
| B2 Other monetary assets | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
||||||
| B3 Investment assets | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
||||||
| B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use |
- | - | |||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Details | Fund to which liability relates |
Amount due (optional) |
When due (optional) |
||||||
| B5 Liabilities | - | ||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Signature | Print Name | Date of approval |
||||||
| S M Jones | Sioned M Jones | 23/10/2024 | |||||||