TRUSTEES REPORT 2022
CHARITY NUMBER:1183095
Trustees during 2022
Dennis Leonard Brickles Isabelle Matea Mercer John Charles Harris Margaret Adele Bond Dr Hilary Gardener Tamanna Krami Margaret Smith
Appointed 7.10.2017 Appointed 24.1.2022 Appointed 28.2.2022 Appointed 11.4.2022 Appointed 20.10.2022 Appointed 20.10.2022 Appointed 14.9.2021
Trustees resigning in 2022
Dawn O’Rooke Resigned 6.10.2022 Hazel Clark Resigned 8.6.2022
All Trustees are re-elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Harrogate District of Sanctuary functions to enhance the public good in all its operations.
The final accounts for 2022 are shown on the next page. These accounts show that reserves at the end of the year were £19,637. The charity’s policy is to ensure that reserves meet expenditure expectations for the following nine months
This report was approved by Trustees at their meeting of 7.3.2023 Signed:
Chair: Treasurer:
Harrogate District of Sanctuary Final Statement of Accounts Financial Year 2022
Balance brought forward from 2021 £11362
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Income during 2022
Subscriptions £415
Donations £14369
Grants £10000
Fundraising £803
TOTAL INCOME £25,587
Expenditure during 2022
DBS/GDPR and other training £261
Insurance £386
Women’s Group £250
Schools of Sanctuary £97
Family support £3094
Stationery and equipment £260
Room Hire £450
Publicity/events/refreshments/Christmas Party/Refugee Week £495
Transport £1620
Language provision – Resettlement families £4278
Language provision - Ukrainians £5145
Social events – Resettlement families £652
Social events - Ukrainians £324
TOTAL EXPENDITURE £17,312
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In year net total £8275
Opening balance 1[st] January 2022 Bank balance 31[st] December 2022
£11,362 £19,637
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Annual Report 2021/22
Contents
Introduction.....................................................................................................1 The refugee resettlement scheme...................................................................1 The sponsor/hosting scheme...........................................................................2 Support issues.................................................................................................2 Campaigning...................................................................................................3 Awareness.......................................................................................................3 Organisational issues......................................................................................3 Governance.....................................................................................................4 Conclusion.......................................................................................................4
Introduction
Covid restrictions had a considerable impact on the activities of HDS. Consequently, 2022 has been a period for the rebuilding of the charity and the organisation of activities, not least responding to the impact of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia which resulted in many refugees coming to Harrogate and Knaresborough to join those families already here, mainly from Syria and Afghanistan.
The basic mission of HDS remains the same - to create an environment across the district where refugees and asylum seekers feel safe, welcome and included - valued for what they bring to the community and supported to become independent and integrated into daily life.
HDS also aim to raise awareness locally about the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers, to campaign for a humane asylum system nationally and to counter negativity that surrounds these issues by balanced presentation of facts.
The refugee resettlement scheme
The resettlement scheme envisages permanent residence in the UK and at the time of writing there are 25 families in Harrogate and Knaresborough from Syria (10), Afghanistan (10), Iraq (4), South Sudan (1) constituting c. 115 people with half being young people under the age of 18.
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Some families have been here for several years - a few for only a few weeks.
After an initial period, the befriender role undertaken through the Refugee Council is augmented and then taken over by the volunteer HDS Befrienders - as the word implies to be a source of advice and support and friendship to families who have lost everything in fleeing for sanctuary. We arranged to have a Befriender Co-ordinator for the families in Harrogate and another for those in Knaresborough working with the volunteer teams.
Of critical importance is the issue of language and a key support activity for HDS is to organise language sessions - formal and informal. Funding is available via North Yorkshire County Council but supplemented by HDS funds.
It is encouraging that employment has been gained in many cases - formal education is critical for the young people and can be a key to success for the family - a number of social events have been held as covid allowed and a future programme organised.
Given modern IT, families in the UK maintain contact with their family members and friends still seeking escape and in acute danger; the concern and fear on their behalf contributes to the ongoing trauma of settling in a foreign country.
The sponsor/hosting scheme
For Ukrainians the system is based on three-year visas with two routes - through family members already in UK or through volunteer hosts who commit in the first instance to a number of months accommodation.
At the time of writing there are 251 visa holders in Harrogate District i.e. In the borough area as a whole. More than half are under the age of 18 and most are single parent family groups. HDS liaise with NYCC which administers the government scheme locally. These refugees are in close contact with those still under attack from Russia and the heart-breaking stress and trauma is consequently exacerbated.
HDS invited charities and other groups which wished to support the Ukrainians to a briefing session. This led to the formation of the Ukrainian Support Network which liaises on a regular basis - HDS joined with other charities, the Knaresborough Chain Lane Community Hub and Harrogate Mind Acorn Centre in organising weekly drop-in sessions, regular social events and activities, and ad hoc trips to the sea/country - USN also liaises with North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council and Citizens Advice which now provides a funded advice and support service. A new website with comprehensive national and local information has just been launched.
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Again, language sessions have featured strongly with HDS funding those costs not covered by NYCC funding including match funding.
HDS are very conscious that advice and support needs arise for sponsors/hosts as well as those shielded by them.
Support issues
As the resettlement scheme runs on, attention is being given to the nationality question with Life in The UK sessions to prepare for the citizenship examination. Language continues as a priority focus as it is so critical for inclusion.
For the sponsor/hosting scheme concern increases as the initial commitment period begins to wind down - it is already known that not all offers will be renewed, and the borough district is short of accommodation offers. Nationally as well as locally, this is becoming an acute concern.
There is a dearth of information about refugees from Hong Kong and currently HDS are not in touch with any although anecdotally there are said to be a sizeable number living locally.
HDS are conscious of the stress and trauma being experienced and consider whether some ‘well-being’ activity could be put in place.
Campaigning
It is a disappointment that our commitment to the UK having a humane asylum system has given rise to a considerable number of issues about which we felt the need to challenge the government, which, in our opinion, still has a hostile environment stance to many of the issues connected with refugees and asylum seekers.
We have campaigned on the Nationality and Borders Act , the Channel Crossing response, the Rwandan deportation scheme and the associated but now abandoned Linton Camp proposal, the restrictive and bureaucratic visa application system (especially in relation to those remaining in Afghanistan, and to those fleeing Ukraine), the number of refugees in hotels for long periods, the lack of official asylum application routes. Families living locally have raised many issues about friends and family members under threat in Afghanistan and in desperate need of acceptance by the UK government. We have been disappointed in the response of the government and the lack of commitment to a long-term resettlement programme.
We have been disappointed at the response of the Government on these issues and that of the local Member of Parliament who supports all government policies but has however responded supportively on individual cases raised.
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Awareness
HDS has promoted publicity in the local media and on social media. A number of local groups and societies have been addressed. A weeklong public display (visited by the Mayor of Harrogate) was organised for Refugee Week.
It is gratifying that a number of schools are exploring status as Schools of Sanctuary based on appreciation of and commitment to humanitarian practice. HDS were very involved in supporting Harrogate College and were therefore very pleased to be present at a public event to celebrate Harrogate College being awarded College of Sanctuary status (the first in North Yorkshire).
Organisational issues
HDS have been identifying individual volunteers who have generously agreed to take on the responsibility of organising the range of activity provided.
As well as identifying the need for a Harrogate Befriender Co-ordinator and a Knaresborough Befriender Co-ordinator, HDS has also formed two groups. One for the organisation of raising public awareness, and one for Refugee Social and Support Activity, this being designed to bring about needed forward planning and organisation now that the UK is in a post-covid situation. Volunteers are organising the range of activities undertaken.
We have revised our general leaflet and application form for membership/ volunteering. It has been agreed to produce presentational material for display at events and talks.
Our database has been updated and reviewed; it was a priority to have this task completed.
The general email address of info@harrogatedistric.cityofsanctuary.org is publicised as the general point of enquiry and is monitored regularly to provide a response.
Governance
There have been some wholesale changes at trustee level - Belinda Goode stood down as chair for health reasons and Hazel Clark also stood down after several years; HDS are grateful to them for their invaluable support as trustees over a number of years. Paul Sykes resigned as Volunteer Co-ordinator.
John Harris joined the trustees as chair, Dennis Brickles (Treasurer and Schools of Sanctuary) and Margaret Smith (Campaigns and Chair - Public Events Group )
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agreed to be joint deputy chairs; other recruits as Trustees were Issy Mercer as Secretary, Margaret Bond as PR and Volunteer Co-ordinator, and Dawn O’Rooke as Volunteer Administration. We conclude that further recruitment from the wider community would be beneficial.
In addition to these roles by Trustees, we seek a successor to Jenny Travena (former HDS chair) who has been the Harrogate Befriender Co-ordinator; Anne Thickett has been joined by Dot Rodham in handling the Knaresborough Befriender Co-ordinator role; Kathy Foley has agreed to be chair of the Social and Support Group and Isabel Sutcliffe has taken on the Safeguarding role. Maryse Haywood and Margaret Bond have been the key organisers of the joint charities Ukraine Support Network activity. Nina Jolly and Melanie Soden organise the language sessions.
This necessity to undertake a deal of re-organisation has coincided with the considerable pressure to respond to the Ukrainian invasion by Russia and the influx of refugees to our area. The progress needs to bed down but HDS support for refugees has responded robustly to the current demands.
The database of members, volunteers, and supporters needed updating and has been completed. A volunteer does not have to be a paid-up member of the HDS charity company - and a member does not have to be a volunteer; but only paidup members can formally participate and vote at the AGM and special charity meetings. We hope that volunteers will join as members which involves a modest but welcome addition to our finances.
Conclusion
A small local charity like HDS exists only because of committed volunteers.
Since its formation in 2016, there has been a series of committed individuals who have devoted enormous time and effort to the need for a genuine humanitarian response to vulnerable traumatised families and individuals arriving in our midst who have abandoned or lost everything.
As the voice of the charity, the trustees (themselves volunteers) place on record their appreciation for this selfless commitment which has brought encouragement and hope to so many traumatised individuals who seek safety, a welcome, and the opportunity to become members of our local community.
20.10.22
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Harrogate District of S(mctuary Public Annual Report 2021122
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Harrogate District of Sanctuary 1183095
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period 01-Jan-22 31-Dec-22
To
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A1 Receipts
Suscriptions 415 - - 415 672
Donations 8,969 5,400 - 14,369 4,441
Fundraising 803 - - 803 1,335
Grants - 10,000 - 10,000 3,000
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
10,187 15,400 - 25,587 9,448
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 10,187 15,400 - 25,587 9,448
A3 Payments
Training 261 - - 261 238
Insurance 386 - - 386 138
Women's Group 250 - 250 133
Schools of Sanctuary 97 - 97 -
Family suport 3,094 - - 3,094 295
Stationery and equipment 260 - - 260 300
Room hire 450 - - 450 -
Publicity and social events 1,472 1,472 3,736
Transport 1,620 1,620
Language provision 9,423 9,423 1,071
Sundry expenses - - - - 25
- - - - -
Sub total [ 7,639 ] 9,673 - 17,312 5,937
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 7,639 9,673 - 17,312 5,937
Net of receipts/(payments) 2,548 5,727 - 8,275 3,511
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 9,967 1,395 - 11,362 7,852
Cash funds this year end 12,515 7,122 - 19,637 11,362
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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
14/06/2023
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Bank current account Details Details Details Signature |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 12,515 7,122 - - - - 12,515 7,122 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
14/06/2023
2
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Harrogate District of Sanctuary
On accounts for the year 31 December 2022 Charity no 1183095 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1-2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2022.
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’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.
Date: 14 June 2023 Signed: Name: Stuart Wright Relevant professional ICAEW qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: The Granary, Haggs Farm Business Park, Haggs Road Follifoot, Harrogate, HG3 1EQ
October 2018
IER
1
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
October 2018
IER
2