Refugee Roots
(Registered charity. number 1184098)
Financial statements
for the year ended 30 June 2024
Page
Contents
Trustees, annual report
Independent examiner's report
Receipts & payments account
Statement of assets & liabilities
Notes to the accounts
10
12
13-15
capLUS
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Refugee Roots
Trustees, annual report
for the year ended 30 June 2024
Full name Refugee Roots
Organisation type Charitable incorporated organisation
Registered charity number 1184098
Principal address
Suite 53. Unit 6 Sneinton Market, Gedling Street, Nottingham NG1 1 DS
Trustees
TFOX
R Madzvia
G Parker
R Rattigan, until 3110512024
Rev P Thipa
H Whitton
T Pickup
Independent examiner
John O'Brien, employee of Community Accounting Plus, Units 1 & 2, North West,
41 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG15GL
Governance and management
The CIO aSS￿latIon is operated under the rules of its constitution adopted 25 June
2019.
Recruitment of trustees is from those with an existing interest and involvement in
working with refugees and asylum seekers and in sympathy with the aims of
Refugee Roots, with an inlention to maintain a balanced group of trustees, in terms
of skills and experience, ethnicity, gender and age.
Appointment Is by the exisling membership and trustees following an interview,
references and safer recruitment measures such as DBS checks being met.
Objectives and activities
The objects of the CIO, which are to be carried out in accordance with Christian
principles within the wider communities of Nottingham and the County of
Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas, are..
1. The promotion of s(Kial inclusion for the public benefit among people who are
asylum seekers and refugees who are Sc￿laIlY excluded on the grounds of their
s(Kial and economic position, in particular but not exclusively by..
al Providing volunteer befrienderslmentors who will assist asylum seekers and
refugees with their integration into the community by providing activities, infonmation,
advocacy services, advice and support;
b) Relieving or preventing poverty among asylum seekers and refugees by providing
grants of financial assistance, essential equipment, furniture and other items as may
be necessary.,

Refugee Roots
c) Providing asylum seekers and refugees with education and training in the English
language;
d} The provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure (￿cupatIon in the interests
of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life f(x asylum seekers
and refugees.
2. The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by..
a) The elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race or religion-
b) Advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity-
c) Promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse
backgrounds.
d) Cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity.
Public benefit statement
The Trustees confirm that Ihey have complied with the duty in seGlion 17 of the
Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance
on public benefit, 'Charities and Public Benefit,.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit
Promoting social inclusion of newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers and
understanding in swiety as a public benefit.
1. Providing volunteer befrienderslmentors who will assist participants with their
integration into the community by providing activities, information, advocacy.
advice and support.
2. Relieving or preventing poverty among participants by hdping them access or
providing grants of financial assistance, essential equipment, clothing, furniture
and other necessary items.
3. Providing participants with education and training in the English language.
4. Providing faGilities for recreation or other leisure activitie5 to promote the S￿la1
well-being of participants.
Advancing awareness of the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers among the
wider public with a particular emphasis in churches, fostering understanding between
people from diverse backgrounds and cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality
with diversity.
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the
Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general
guidance on public benefit, 'Charities and Public Benefit,.

Refugee Roots
Summary of the main achievements during the period
Refugee Roots welcomes all. helping those in need find friendship and a place to call
home
Refugee Roots helps asylum seekers and refugees build relationships and navigate
the complexities of building a new life in the UK. We provide a range of activities in
Nottingham and the surrounding area including befriending- providing information,
advice and guidance,. as well as groups and activities, such as free English
conversation classes.
We have refreshed our Vision and Mission statements to.,
Our Vlsion
A place to belong for those seeking refuge and proteclion to feel welcome and
valued, finding support lo rebuild their lives with dignity.
Our Mission
We will create a family of networks. connections, people and friendships for refugees
and asylum seekers.
We have also made a fresh commitment to"Reshape refugee support where
refugees take control and regain autonomy. as a response to our Vision Day in 2023
which was further considered al our Vision Day in 2024.
Chairfs Report
This year has been a busy one f()r Refugee Roots as we continue to provide a place
to belong for those seeking refuge and protection. We are now well established at
Clarendon Chambers, which is close lo Nottingham Trent University and on a public
transport route. In addition to the main office, we have a private interview room and
other rooms which can be used for group aclivilies.
All of our w(xk and projects are only possible due to the determination, skill, and
expertise of our staff, volunteers, and trustees, not forgetting the vital support of
funders, l(xal churches and partner organisations.
The Board of Trustees continues to meet regularly. We have been delighted lo
welcome a new trustee to the board. with others in the process of joining. One
trustee also stepped down. Training for trustees is ongoing and trustees work to their
strengths to provide the best level of governance.
As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we also sel our sights on the
future. Our commitment to providing refugees with a place lo belong remains
sleadfasl.

I would like lo extend my deepest gratitude to our supporters, partners, and all those
who have contributed to the work of the charity.
Gill Parker, Chair of Trustees
Director's Report
It has been an extraordinary year, marked by growth, resilience, generosity and the
shared commitment to extend a place to belong. offering friendship and hope to
refugees and asylum seekers in Noltingham and the surrounding areas.
This past year, we saw a signific in increase in demand for our services, with our
participants rising from 749 in the previous financial year to 1.149 this year. This
growth underscores the critical and urgent needs facing participants and highlights
the vital role we play in working with those seeking refuge and protection to
overcome the barriers they face.
I want lo thank all of our donors and partners for your support and generosity. Your
contributions have been instrumental in allowing us to respond swiftly to rising
needs, and support those who need it M(￿t.
To our staff, volunteers, and trustees, you are the heart of this organisation. Your
dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment have made each day brighter f¢x
those we support. Your efforts continue lo inspire, creating a c￿nmUnitY where
everyone feels they belong and where hope flourishes.
Looking forward, we anticipate Ihat demand will continue to increase and expect that
we will still have a significant role in refugee support in Noltingham and the
surrounding areas. It is important to be aware of the increasingly difficult fundraising
climate and we project that this will continue to be the case. Therefore, we are
seeking to maximise our fundraising efforts by growing our Gorporate sponsorship,
regular donations, and church partnerships to be able to sustain and develop our
work according to the needs of participant5 and fulfil our charitable aims and
objectives. Trust fundraising will still have a significant place in our activities, but we
recognise the need to have a mixed income stream f(N greater sustainability and
flexibility.
Adam Baker, Charity Director

Refugee Roots
Refugee Roots has seen a tremendous increase in its capacity and provision of
services, with all those involved making it possible for the charity to respond to the
increased demand and need for support. 1,149 participants have been supported
across all of our projects and activities. The charity has seen increased demand f(
support as needs have grown and the refugee population Iccally in the city and
surrounding areas has also increased. Opportunities lo support Ukrainian refugees
living with UK hosts or family have helped widen our network of support and
partnership.
A city centre Iccation for the Gharity has also been significant for the changing
landscape of refugee populations in Nottingham and the surrounding areas. The use
of temporary emergency accommodation for asylum seekers by the Home Office and
various government schemes such as the Homes fcK Ukraine sGheme have made
the charity's reach less ge(xJraphically focussed and far m￿e spread out.
It has been important for the charily in this period to develop new, innovative and
c￿ative solutions, partnerships and collaborations. Partnerships to deliver pr(4eGIs
have been invaluable as they have enabled more provision and even greater benefit
to participants. Lwal churches and organisations have played an important role in
our service delivery model for projects like Access.
Alongside the increased capacity to deliver these important and meaningful support
initiatives we have seen an increase to our income which has enabled our work to
keep up with the rapid growth and greater need. We continue to seek funds from
trusts, foundations, local churches, corporate partners and fundraising activities.
Despite increased costs of living we saw growth in our regular donors and online
fundraising.
Summary of projects and actlvities and achlevements
One-to-one befriending
Volunteer befrienders met participants weekly support with language leaming,
accompanying them lo appointments, getting to know I￿al travel links, finding new
communities within the city and much more.
47 volunteers have supported 56 individuals across 313 sessions of befriending
"l am grateful to you for your support and help, and the opportunity to learn
the language and communicate in a new country."
Participant

Refugee Roots
Access
Our Access project offers sC￿la1 and educational experiences for our participants.
Participants can join in a range of aclivilies in a friendly and saf e space. Our English
conversation groups help lo improve English language skills. Participants get to
make new connections and make friends in a diverse community. 571 participants
were supported across 309 sessions of Access.
'1 feel less lonely when l am here."
Participant
Access: Women's Group
Our weekly Women's Group which is part of the Access project has benefited 69
participants. 50 sessions brought diverse women together for language SLIpp￿, craft
and social activities.
"I became more confident through the group"
Participant
Access: Cooking and Eatlng Together
Our monthly Cooking and Eating T￿ether group brought participants and volunteers
tcgether to share food and friendship with 97 participants attending across 9
sessions.
Access: Training and Workshops
Training and Workshops offered through the Access projecl have benefiled 68
participants. Among the 31 sessions delivered this has included wellbeing sessions,
yoga. employability and digital skills training and other relevant subjects. Participants
have reported being able to use what they have learned and put into practice the
skills gained from sessions SUGh as inteiview skills.
Advice and Guidance
Our Advice and Guidance project has supported 679 participants with more than
1620 sessions held.
Support work has included=
Finding legal support for asylum seekers
Applying for housing
Registering asylum seekers with a GP, dental surgery etc.
Signposting and making referrals to essential services (housing, health,
wellbeing, educalion, immigration and more)
Meeting basic needs for food, clothing, shelter and furniture
"Here I have got the support that I needed"
Participant

Refugee Roots
Universal Credit Advice in partnership with Always Community
In partnership wilh Always Community our Universal Credit Advice project supported
212 participants. The sessions have empowered participants with the knowledge and
skills required to access essential financial aid and support with the guidance of
trained advisors.
"I had a lot of difficulties and Refugee Roots helped me solve them very
quickly."
Participant
Access Arts
145 participants have been engaged in 152 art sessions. Benefits have included
reduced isolation, increased connectedness to the community and greater sense of
belonging. Our Access Art's sessions offer an opportunity for participants lo explore
art and creative activities in a relaxing and social setting. Our twice-a-week art
sessions facilitated by artists have allowed our participants to explore mediums and
techniques such as watercolour and acrylic painting, charcoal, clay, collage, textiles,
marbling, felting, screen printing, mod rock, stained glass, poetry and drama. A
number of exhibitions were held during Sherwood Art Week, Refugee Week and in
March 2024.
"Dolng art makes me feel happy and relaxed, and to make friends. It's
good for mental health."
Participant
Overall outcomes reported by participants
Participants have reported the following:
810/0 felt less isolated
85.10 felt more connected lo their communities
87 /0 felt more confident
85°h reported they had been helped
880/0 % reported the help they received made a difference in their lives
800/. % developed skills to reach their potential
78 % felt their English had improved
Volunteering
154 volunteers have been involved in the charity. Volunteers from the I(￿al
community, churches, colleges and universities have supported various projects and
activities such as language support, befriending, activity support and much more.
Volunteers Ihat Gare make the difference.

Refugee Roots
The charity's poll¢y on resepies
Trustees aim to keep three months of unrestricted funds in reserve. We review our
reserves policy annually unless a review is required earlier. We do not have on-
going liability fcf rent, hire of equipment etc.
Financial review
We are satisfied with our current financial position. We continue to seek funds from
trusts and foundations, and we are working on diversifying our income sources to
ensure we can Gonlinue our much-needed work, and develop the work appropriately
to have the maximum benefit possible. We are seeking ccf porale partnerships and
sponsorship from interested potential partners. We are also developing other
fundraising initiatives and financial giving sources for a more sustainable future. This
includes a campaign to raise larger amounts of funds from sources other than trusts
and foundations.
The charity's risks
Failure of grant applications, donations or fund-raising activities.
Sncreased costs and Ihe cost of living crisis are having an adverse effect on giving
from the general public. We share with all charities major uncertainties about
funding in the present financial climate. We have seen greater challenges raising
funds from trusts and foundations due to the volume of applications and
oversubscription.
We have appropriate insurance for a charity.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees..
Signed
C Parker, Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of
Refugee Roots
for the year ended 30 June 2024
I report to the trustees on my examinalion of the accounts of Refugee Roots (the
charity) for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts
in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Act,).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts Ca￿led out under
section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all
the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under s￿tIOn 14515llb) of
the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examinatiors. I confirm that no matters have come to my
attention in connection wilh Ihe examination giving me cause to believe that in any
material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by
section 130 of the Act. or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have Gome across no other matters in connection with the
examinalion to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a
proper understanding of Ihe accounts to be reached.
Signed
John O'Brien M
FCIE
Employee of Community Accounting Plus
Date 11
10

Refugee Roots
Receipts & payments account
for the year ended 30 June 2024
2023
Total
Fu￿S
2024
Total
Fund5
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund$
Funds
Notè
Receipts
Grants & donations
Fundraising
Sales
Totsl receipts
219632
865
1736
136264
2 40813
171029
211842
4083
44896
4083
215925
171029
Payments
Accounts, Bookkeeping and Payroll
Activities and Events
Consultancy
Equipment, Repairs and Renewals
Fee Charges
Hardship Payments
Hospitality and Refreshments
Insurances
1182
1431
1369
9749
3300
476
2551
11180
3300
2849
61
2349
4479
101
5438
2459
2948
720
3829
11898
1015
5543
148597
2980
16223
8544
9539
178
5615
8952
517
1913
2373
58
194
544
2155
3935
101
3549
889
2948
132
3829
10664
1015
4573
127829
1576
1889
1570
Legal and Professional
Marketing
Memberships and Subscriptions
Printing, Postage and Stationery
Rent
Resource and Guidance Material
Room Hire
Salaries, Nl and Pension
Staff Training and Welfare
Telephone
Travel and Accommodation
Volunteer Costs
Total payments
3949
887
4189
10400
1291
10830
106302
1294
2662
2442
7157
202884
588
1234
970
20768
1404
866
1003
36074
907
5089
185532
1773
6092
221606
19348
94050
Net receiptsllpaymentsl
Cash funds at start of this period
Transfers between funds
Cash funds at end of this period
8822
56145
2738
62229
1145031
57253
2738
45487
156811
113398
113398
107717

Refugee Roots
Statsment of assets and liabilities
at 30 June 2024
2023
2024
Cash assets
Bank accounts
Cash in hand
113398
107667
50
107717
113398
Assets retained for the charity's own use
GerEral equipment.
Laptops purchased June 2020 at a cost of £1850
Tablet purchased May 2021 at a cost of £729
Laptops purchased June 2021 at a cost of £2700
Laptop purchased Jan 2022 at a cost of £876
Cabinet purchased June 2023 at a cost of £516
Printer purchased June 2023 at a cost of £1554
Total
8225
Debtors
HMRC (Employment allowance for 2 years)
5000
5000
10000
10000
Liabilities:creditors
HMRC
Pensions
Payroll Ca Plus
Independent examination
(2482)
(161)
(2394)
(263)
678
3335
612
(32551
These financial statements are accepted on behalf of the charity by-
Signed T Pickup
T Pickup, Trustee
Dated 09.03.2025
12

Refugee Roots
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 30 June 2024
1. Receipts & payments accounts
Receipts and payments accounts contain a summary of money received and money
spent during the period and a list of assets and liabilities at the end of the pericml.
Usually, cash received and cash spent will include transactions through bank accounts
and cash in hand.
2. Grants & donations
Unrestrl¢t•d
Restrictsd
Total
Donations
Church Dorkgtions
Diocese OfsoLrt￿ell & NottirwJham
The National Lottery Community Fund
Peoples Heath Lottery
Bags of Help
Communities of klentity
T￿rnaS Farr
National Grid Electricity Distribution
Garfield Weston
NottirKJham City Council
JN Dert)yshire
Arts Courtil
Lady HITr
11762
11534
15000
11762
11702
15000
119964
2517
500
3360
3000
4557
20000
10000
3000
2980
3500
211842
168
119964
2517
500
3360
3000
4557
20000
10000
3000
2980
3500
173546
38296
13

Refugee Roots
3. Funds analysis
Opening
balance
Rèc•ipts
(Paymènts) Tranthrs
clo￿ng
balance
Restricted funds
Access
BefiieThJing
Community Matters
Welcome & htegration VCS
Hardship
RC MidlarKIs Region (NLCFI
Access Arts
Ukraine swport
A Place to BelorKJ
Afghan FUNI
Community Organisations Cost of LiMrG FurKI
Admin Core
Admce and guidance
28462
9516
10360
61
4557
10000
1319341
147231
145571
{26671
{541
(93110)
111625) 13541 }
13431)
6888
6415
1561
7333
54
93110
2980
12186
3431
20000
20000
26854
(268541
(27381
2738
3107
3846
1980
171029 2738
185539
3604
57253
4845
45481
Unrestritted funds
General
56145
56145
44896
36080
2738
L 62223
36080
44896 62223
2738
'A place to belong. is a core fund. The partner was "Garfield Weston Foundation" {ends
Feb 2025).
'Access" is a restricted fund for the Access prqect offering free Conversational English
classes, workshops and s¢xial activities such as Cooking & Eating Together,. it also
includes our Women's Group. Funders of the Access project include.. Thomas Farr
lends Sep 20241, Albert Hunt Trust (ended Jan 2024), Boots Charitable Trust (ended
Mar 2024). Communities of Identity (ended Mar 2024), Lady Hind (ends August 2024),
Tesco Bags of Help lends August 2024) and others.
"Advice and Guidance" is our Advice and Guidance provision. Funders included JN
Derbyshire (Mar 2024).
'Admin Core. is a core fund for the Admin Assistant's salary, the funder is Hilden
Charitable Trust awarded £7000 for one year {ended Sep 2023).
'Access Arts. is our Art project which is part of the programme "National Lottery Project
Grants" The funder is Arts Council England National Lottery (ended Mar 2024}.
14

Refugee Roots
'Befriending' is for the befriending project. Volunteer5 provide weekly support one to
one with refugees and asylum seekers. Funders have included Albert Hunt Trust (ended
Jan 2024), and others.
"Community Cost of Living Fund.. The fund was to cover the retrospective costs of
running existing critical services and for delivering, expanding and adapting existing
services. The funding came from the UK Govemment and was managed by the National
Lottery Community Fund (ended Mar 20241.
'Community Matters Fund" refers to a grant which was awarded by National Grid
Electricity Distribution via LoGal Giving for operating a "Warm Bank. (ended Mar 2024).
'Hardship' refers to hardship grants and provisions. Funders and partners have included
Acts 435 and others.
"RC Midlands Region. is the programme funded by the Nats'onal Lottery Community
Fund {3-year award, ends July 2025).
The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham provide a core grant towards the Charity
Director's salary (ended Jan 2024).
Refugee Roots is grateful for a grant of £25,000 towards core costs, awarded by the
Postcixle Places Trust thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery (ended June
2024).
'Welcome & Integration VCS. is the Asylum Seeker Dispersal grant prcgramme from
central government and funds our work to address isolation and empower asylum
seekers (ends Jan 2025).
4. Trustees, remuneratlon
Trustees received no expenses, remuneration or benefits in this period.
5. Glossary of terms
Creditors- These are amounts owed by the charity, but not paid during the
accounting period.
Restrlcted funds: These are funds given to the charity, subject to specific
restrictions set by the donor, but still within the general objects of the charity.
Debtors: These are amounts owed to the charity. but not received in the
accounting period.
15