The impact of our work:
Between May 2021 and April 2022, we have supported a total of 61 people with employability (including support with CV’s, job applications, registering with agencies, job searching websites, interview preparation), and 20 people have successfully found employment or self-employment as a result. We have also supported a total of 74 people with accessing training and courses (including ESOL, food hygiene courses, digital courses and functional skills) and 28 accessed volunteering opportunities (internal and external opportunities). We have also supported a total of 87 people with benefit advice (including Universal Credit applications, Personal Independence Payment, ESA, council tax support, Maternity Allowance, Pension Credit and Child Benefit) and 51 people have received housing support- this included applications with housing associations such as Gentoo, Bernicia and local councils, supporting people getting onto priority for properties due to their housing need and resolving issues linking to housing). 17 of them found a new home. 70 people had received material/emergency support including food vouchers, fuel vouchers and data / mobile phone topups, including 19, who received support with access to digital services, including second hand devices and internet connection. 14 Clients received support with domestic abuse issues. Many of the clients needed support wit registering with communicating with, or registering with health services- e.g. registering a newly born child with a GP practice. 40 clients received support with the EU Settlement Scheme. 49 clients received a benefit award.
Additionally, 112 received support with translation of documents or in person, as well as over the phone (e.g. regarding council tax bills or energy bills).
We capture data from registration and evaluation forms for each project, we use a 1-10 scale to measure changes in regards to peoples financial situation, from our evaluations, we had found out that 47 people have reported an improved financial situation. We also use The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) on registration and end of project forms to capture any changes in our clients wellbeing, 25 beneficiaries had reported an improved mental health and wellbeing due to the support received. As a result of the work delivered by our Eastern European women’s group, including wellbeing sessions, 22 women reported improved confidence (many of the clients have not yet exited this project, and we expect that more will report positive changes).
Moreover, ICOS organised environmental activities in Backhouse Park, St Michael’s ward, Sunderland, engaging over 200 people through volunteering, environmental awareness raising sessions (such as bird watching or bat watching) and clean – ups. This work was funded by several funders, including Sunderland City Council’s East Rangers initiative (htps://icos.org.uk/east-rangers/) and the Jubilee Fund (htps://icos.org.uk/jubilee-event/) at the National Lottery Community Fund.
As part of the Shared Sunderland programme (htps://icos.org.uk/shared-sunderland/) we have provided advice, but also supported BME people into leadership[p and worked to advance racial equality. This work included being part of the Racial Justice in Education working group formed by the Tyne and Wear Citizens (TWIC) to ensure local schools do more to combat racism and forming a local TWIC Hub. In December 2021, we were awarded the TWIC listening award for this work. We have also held workshops and sessions on political leadership and are planning more such sessions next year, including one on leadership in education.
While ICOS has a particularly strong relationship with the Eastern European community, it has always been about building bridges between different communities. We regularly organise intercultural meetings, getting together migrant people from different backgrounds, including asylum seekers and
refugees, together with members of the local community. For example, on 25/06/2022, we organised an event to celebrate the Refugee Week, bringing together refugees from a number of countries, including Libya, Syria, Sudan and Ukraine, other migrants and local residents of St Michael’s ward. With over 100 local people attending, we created an opportunity to get to know people from a different culture, socialise and sample international food, and take part in activities such as dancing and taster sessions of languages including Spanish, Ukrainian and Arabic.
In response to specific challenges facing Eastern European women, highlighted by our clients, in 2019, ICOS created the 1st ever Eastern European women’s group in the North East (https://icos.org.uk/icos-women/). This project involves approximately 100 women annually and provides individual support, e.g., for women fleeing domestic violence, but also get the women together and provides social activities, such as yoga sessions, coffee met-ups and mindfulness sessions. As women taking part in the project grow in confidence and develop, many decide to volunteer and help others- e.g., recently, one of the women has started smaller project, which has organically grown out of ICOS Women- the Mum’s Club, which gets together women and children. We are now expanding this work, as we have learned even more about the challenges facing them through our work – e.g. lack of safe spaces (not just physical, but also social) and the need to share their experiences with other women. We have also learned more about our current and potential clients through the research on Eastern European women undertaken with Sunderland University, as described below.
-Research
Between May 2021 and December 2021, ICOS worked with the University of Sunderland to research issues affecting Eastern European women in Tyne and Wear. This research uncovered wide spread discrimination, racism and misogyny directed at Eastern European women in areas including employment and public services:
Part 1 (Survey) https://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/13971/
Part 2 (Qualitative findings: Focus groups and interviews) https://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/14580/
This research brought to light widespread discrimination affecting Eastern European women, including in accessing public services such as healthcare and council services, but also in employment. We are now planning next steps to address those issues.
The Ukrainian refugees are completely new to the UK and the region and often struggle to understand the local systems and culture, while also dealing with trauma caused by the war. They need intensive and holistic support. At ICOS, we are currently supporting 25 Ukrainian people living in Sunderland and we remain in touch with the community to identify more individuals in need of support. We provide practical, often intensive support with benefits, school admissions, GP registrations, college registrations and dealing with official correspondence (e.g. letters regarding council tax). We also provide them with emergency material support, such as food vouchers and free sim cards.
We have additionally been providing Ukrainian people who are ready to move into employment with employability support, including help with CVs, job applications, accessing training and improving their English Language skills.
Combatting and preventing exploitation by some of the hosts – including requests for money and doing odd jobs around the house has also been something ICOS has been dealing with: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-61562167?
fbclid=IwAR3KsOqEoxRYsRfgHahSsQLvPMH8cD6pcE8dCw0x0M-1e49swX-9kYGLKBo
We have also been providing support with integration and activities to improve their wellbeing, including those run as part of the women’s group, such as social outings and coffee mornings. Additionally, we provide advice on cultural integration and local customs and traditions. ICOS has been able to gain the trust of the Ukrainian community and currently employs a Ukrainian- speaking staff member to ease integration. We are currently working on an article for the North East Bylines. (https://northeastbylines.co.uk/), highlighting the issues Ukrainians face and the solutions we see to those problems and have also worked with Sunderland City Council’s councillors to help them to understand the issues local people from the Ukraine are facing- e.g., through gathering case studies highlighting their struggles:
Case studies- Ukrainians living in Sunderland and the issues they face (anonymous) are available here: htps://icos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Case-studies-Ukrainian-community-AprilJune-2022-.pdf
-During, and in the immediate aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic, men from ethnic minority backgrounds had been telling us that they felt isolated and that they wanted to do something together and keep healthy while being on furlough. Many also work long hours in the local factories, and have limited opportunities to take part in physical exercise.
In response to those issues, working with a group of men, ICOS has established a sports project ( https://icos.org.uk/icos-sports/), supporting local Eastern European and other migrants to be active and stay healthy and connected.
Activities are chosen by the group themselves, and so far include sessions such as:
| | bowling |
|---|---|
| | darts |
| | pool/billiard |
| | ping-pong |
| | paintball |
| | go-kartng |
| | quads |
| | air rife |
| | archery |
| | futsal (indoor football) |
| | beach volleyball |
| | indoor volleyball |
| | hiking |
| | theme parks & zoo visit |
Case studies- we have selected 3 case studies which illustrate the breadth and depth of our work:
Advice: https://icos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Helena-case-study.pdf
Integration: https://icos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/East-Rangers-Case-Study-Susan.pdf
Supporting victims of exploitation: https://icos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BiC-CaseStudy_Morgan.pdf
More case studies available here: https://icos.org.uk/case-studies/
Development work:
ICOS has created its new 2022- 2025 business plan and started several major projects, including registration with the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), introducing a new data management system and improving our externa communications and fundraising.
Media links:
ICOS Women Video- 2021-2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NVVFVfjWM0
ICOS Women- Hot Yoga event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1066527844286263/1066532147619166/?ref=newsfeed
ICOS Women- Zumba: https://www.facebook.com/events/497035638887249/497036282220518/? ref=newsfeed
ICOS Women: Mum’s Club- 1st meeting: https://www.facebook.com/events/1622394951474826/? ref=newsfeed
ICOS Women: Brusho Workshop: https://www.facebook.com/events/5143724649029323/? ref=newsfeed
ICOS 10 years’ anniversary (2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT3zRsRfCbk
ICOS Sports- Futsal Cup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tPQ0NQTRzQ
Public lecture at Sunderland University- Eastern European women:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=386281800207917&set=pcb.386283830207714
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=386281896874574&set=pcb.386283830207714
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=386282463541184&set=pcb.386283830207714
EUSS workshop, June 2022: https://www.facebook.com/photo/? fbid=400930948743002&set=pcb.400933915409372
Refugee week event, 25/06/2022:
https://www.facebook.com/ICOSsunderland/videos/739093440710902
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=414066987429398&set=pcb.414077690761661
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=404178725084891&set=a.363399425829488
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=414068930762537&set=pcb.414077690761661
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=414075254095238&set=pcb.414077690761661
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=414077184095045&set=pcb.414077690761661
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=414077254095038&set=pcb.414077690761661
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TnESXS9OE_U (attendee account)
100 years’ anniversary of Backhouse Park, Sunderland: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q_e1gtvJG8M
Shared Sunderland project: https://www.facebook.com/photo/? fbid=396737662495664&set=a.363399425829488
Shared Sunderland- official launch:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=386913726811391&set=pcb.386914743477956
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=386913863478044&set=pcb.386914743477956
Shared Sunderland- partnership meeting with New Horizons and Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre: https://www.facebook.com/photo/? fbid=367836478719116&set=pcb.367836502052447
COVID support- thank you: https://www.facebook.com/photo/? fbid=395579175944846&set=pcb.395586992610731
Volunteer videos:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jxw5Gj7UvSw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RoB3znox2U
Volunteer- progression story from client to volunteer: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=1pTpmO1tj_M
International Community Organisation Of Sunderland Financial Statements For the Period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 Charity No: 1186618 Certax Accounting {SunderlondJ Ltd 14 Foyle Street Sunderlond SRI ILE
International Community Organisation Of Sunderland Contents PaBe Trustees Report Independent Examiner'5 Report Statèment of Financial Activrf(ies Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts
International Comrnunity Organisation Of Sunderland Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st Marth 2022 Name= Intemational Communty Organisation of 5urthrlarHI Addres5: 14 Foyle street Sunderland SRI ILE awrily No.. 1186618 Tslee$ Iwho seNed dyrirythe year) Rafal Mariet Iga 8orut Anna Heyman hrtiroslaw Warrnuz Maciei Eismont Edgaras Kozubo¥sky (Treasurer) Independent Examiner Certax Accounting {Sunderlal Ltd 14 Foyle Street Jnderland SRI ILE
ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 202112 CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT SIGN OFF International Community Association of Sunderland I have examined the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet for the Year ending 31st March 2022. together with the underlying accounting records. and confirm that the accounts a in accordance therewith. Signed................ . Dated.. 11.1è.Izi MICHAEL HENOY A.C.M.A. Certax Accounting {Sunderland) Ltd Independent Reviewer
Intern•tlonal Community Or8an15atlon Of Sundertand St•tement d FOAal ActNi¢5 forthe Per40tt ended 31M March 2022 Incom• Totsi 2022 Tot Gr1% Donation51GrftAJd Fundrasinp/ffaidinUfv¢ti¥rt5 Rèlund Ti¥fisfer 315.817 2S.I 2.656 341.026 1.656 181.IB 1.319 9.86J 611 325 3.367 32S 3.367 Totil IVICO J15W7 31.sll 7.J75 IYJ.97Y Rent In5uraK• SalarKs Penslon Arcounts. Piyroll and Olh•rPr•tt•s4)TrW F••$ Trovel ind Sub515terK¢ Ev•nls Workshts9S C¢nsull•n¢V Sessional Wo VduTrio•r EApens•s Partitpint ExpeM•S si•ff Expense5 VenueslRoom Hlrt 19J,370 9.J14 3.4S7 i(K) 191.827 9.423 177,146 879 693 5,117 1.445 693 5.127 10.798 116 1.22S 8.230 4.554 2.1 4.313 11.298 3.119 4.31) 11.419 3.319 198 1.919 17J9 3.816 2S 763 Postèrs Cl8 Contractin• Ofllce costs Ev•lu•tioo surIes Translerto styiny a¢ttyJ 1.949 &719 177 12.210 6.7 7.575 14.774 528 &528 T•tl 594 lJ.114 277 241A6 N•tlnioffl• 513SJ 49.567 45.553 Tran51w O•twn F¥r Fo•r¢ 44,Sii 14. 9&915 $3,363 FundJC4ir*d FOTh1d IJS.764 J2,711 91,915
International Community Organisation Of Sunderland Balance Sheet as al 31st March 2022 2022 2022 2021 UnStricted Reththed Curr•nt Ass•ts Cash at bank and in Hand Debtors and Pr•paentS 62,493 135.764 198.257 60,147 Less Curr•nt Liabilities Creditors and Accruals .3OD Net Current Assets 62.493 1.764 198,257 59.847 Funded By Unr•gtrl¢t•d Funds 32,718 14.404 Rèstricted Funds 135.764 84,511 Savings 29,775 21.244 Totsi Funds 198.257 120,159 pproved by............. ..... - Trustee
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ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 202112 CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT SIGN OFF International Community Association of Sunderland I have examined the Statement of Financial ActNitie5 and Balance Sheet for the Year ending 31st March 2022. together with the undedying accounting records, and confirm that the accounts are in accordance therewith. Signed................................. Dated. i*l2IzL MICHAEL HENDY A.C.M. Certax Accountlng {Sunderfand) Ltd Independent Reviewer