## **FLINTSHIRE CITY of SANCTUARY: Working with Synergy** **https://flintshire.cityofsanctuary.org/** ## **Charitable Incorporated Organisation** **Charity No. 1186789** **Annual Report for the Period 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2022** ## **Chairman’s Report December 2022** ## **INTRODUCTION** During the year January - December 2022, Flintshire City of Sanctuary has continued to grow, learn, and work with the communities of Mold, Holywell and Flint. This work has served to support the education, employment and inclusion of the Syrian and Afghan (through the ARAP (Afghan Relocation & Assistance Programme scheme) families. The Trustees have been astounded by the kindness and warmth of welcome shown by the communities within Flintshire to those fleeing Ukraine, but wish that it had been similarly extended to those fleeing Afghanistan. They have also striven to make people aware of the _Homes for Ukraine_ scheme, providing a realistic and objective view as to what becoming a sponsor entails, trying to help and support the expectations of potential hosts. As a group, we have maintained and expanded our network of partners, to include the British Red Cross (BRC), Theatre Clwyd, Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST), Wrexham Town of Sanctuary, Together Creating Communities (TCC), Flintshire County Council (FCC), Mold Business Network, Care and Repair, SHARE and Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC); engaging in more regular contact, through online meetings entitled ‘ _Community Mobilisation Ukraine and ARAP’_ , hosted by an officer from FCC. With the very worst of the COVID-19 Pandemic behind us, and cessation of lockdowns, FCOS have begun once more to engage with face-to-face teaching, and social and public events, with both our refugee families and the wider public in Flintshire. Continued use has been made of digital technology - a valuable tool for communicating with our members and partners, and indeed with the wider public. ## **ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS** ## **A. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES DELIVERED BY OUR LANGUAGE FOR LIVING (L4L) PROGRAMME** ## **Primary & Secondary Age Students** In this last year L4L has continued to work with those of school age, 8-13 years, albeit mostly online. The homework club has been well received, providing our students support with literacy, numeracy, science, and personal and social education (PSE) topics. The members of L4L ensure that the support is targeted and specific to the ability of the students. The club has been attended weekly, during the school year, by both Syrian and Afghan children. It is pleasing to report that the secondary school students from Ukraine have benefited from the club too. A virtual classroom training program, IXL, has been utilised to support and encourage the students to engage in independent learning, and thereby extend their literacy and numeracy skills outside of the classroom. The regular, individualised student reports, generated by the program, enable areas of weakness to be quickly identified, and allow the educators to correctly gauge the National Curriculum Levels for each of the students. This is pertinent to the individualised support and interventions provided within the homework club, as has been previously mentioned. ## **Adult Education** In May, in-person teaching began for the Afghan ladies. It was found that their abilities ranged from no previous formal education to that of a qualified teacher of English. The teaching sessions have taken place at Ty Calon on Deeside, with FCOS working in close partnership with FCC’s Adult Education Department. FCOS provides transport, when needed, utilising the services of JDA – a local mini-bus and bus hire company. Funding has been made possible through the receipt of a National Lottery grant, namely a People and Places grant, for which we are extremely thankful. ## **Youth Report** At the start of 2022, funding was again sourced to enable a youth project to be set up. This was successfully achieved and commences with the assistance of a qualified Youth worker, Liz Litherland (trustee) and some additional volunteers/supporters. FCOS received monies from the Winter of Well-being Funds, through FCC, provided in turn to them by the Welsh Government. The youth project began mainly with young Syrian people, living in Deeside. The young people were consulted about the project via online meetings - self-advocacy and student voice, featuring strongly, and key to informing future planning, with regards to activities etc. Their wishes and input resulted in a range of activities: - Football at Wepre Park, - Trips to the cinema - Swimming and other water sports activity - Visiting the indoor climbing wall, - Chester Zoo (families included) - Theatre club, with Theatre Clwyd. In March the Afghan families arrived, and were welcomed to a Youth event, held at Deeside Inflatables Park, to include pizza and ice cream! Due to the funding deadline being extended, a further three opportunities for large events at Deeside Sports Centre and the Jade Jones Pavilion became possible. In May, a trip to the Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbigh was organised, to allow the refugees to have a greater insight and appreciation of the Welsh language and culture, the place of their new home. An additional trip, to a dance performance at Theatre Clwyd, was also made. Activities for the summer have included a kite flying event, a cinema trip, a walk up Moel Famau, and even a campfire for the homework club. During Refugee Week in June, a party and arts event was organised and held at Caffi Isa; a wonderful celebration to mark the occasion of FCOS’s 4th anniversary as a charity. As always, we give our thanks to all who have supported and helped us to reach this point. ## **Schools of Sanctuary** Thanks to the tireless efforts and work of our trustee Liz Litherland, Flintshire can now boast an active and growing number of schools applying for School of Sanctuary status, the award body being the national body of City of Sanctuary. Many of the schools involved are now ready to undergo the audit process – proof of commitment to the criteria, through an evidence-based assessment, must be met by a school to gain the status, and be recognised as School of Sanctuary. The award has a duration of three years, but activities need to be sustained by the school, staff, and students to allow for further re-application and renewal of the status. The process is ongoing and continuous; this has importance as Flintshire is to become a ‘dispersal area’ for refugees, many of whom will be of school age. A working group of eight primary schools and two secondary schools has been formed. More schools will be starting the process towards accreditation in September 2022, the start of the new academic year. FCOS have delivered assemblies to most of the schools within this group and will continue this vital work once again in September. The trustees offer their thanks to the Education Officer for the Diocese of St Asaph for providing support and assistance in contacting and engaging headteachers on our behalf. ## **B. WIDER FCOS ACTIVITIES FCOS TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC, PROVIDE RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES, PROMOTE EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY, AND PREVENT AND RELIEVE POVERTY** ## **Befriending** FCOS has a proven interest in, concern and enthusiasm for all matters relating to refugees and asylum seekers. Befriending refugees and asylum seekers is central to our work. The Trustees recognise the value of a kind, non-judgemental, sensible friend, a listening ear, someone who can provide practical support to those finding themselves in a strange new place, with its different culture and laws, and the very real impact it can bring to bear upon those trying to successfully make a new life in Wales. As Trustees we understand the intrinsic safeguarding responsibilities involved and we arranged and attended safeguarding training from a respected academic and trainer in June. In parallel, the external trainer reviewed our existing Safeguarding Policy and highlighted areas for improvement and updating. This was subsequently addressed. When appropriate, current enhanced DBS certificates are obtained for our Trustees, supporters and educators. Where appropriate, FCOS has provided guidance to befrienders to complete application forms, communicated with authorities on their behalf, provided material support when appropriate, and signposted them to services of value. FCOS undertakes many befriending activities. See below for key 2022 activities: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Date Activity
January Flintshire had the arrival of its first Afghan families. Contacts made.
‘22
February A social event at Caffi Isa, Mynydd Isa enabled a larger number of
‘22 Afghan families to meet up.
L4L started up English lessons for the Afghan women.
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Date**
**Activity**|**Date**
**Activity**| |---|---| |January
‘22
Flintshire had the arrival of its first Afghan families. Contacts made.|| |February
‘22
A social event at Caffi Isa, Mynydd Isa enabled a larger number of
Afghan families to meet up.
L4L started up English lessons for the Afghan women.|| ||| |May ‘22|A day at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbigh, was jointly arranged
between FCOS, N.E.Wales Community and Menter Iaith.
A free craft session at Abakhan Mill was attended by one of our
Syrian ladies.| **----- Start of picture text -----**
Eid food parcels were gifted to 11 Afghan families living within the
County.
As part of the Mold Area Hub, FCOS helped to welcome Ukrainian
refugees and their hosts, at a lunch event.
June ‘22 Refugee Week was celebrated at Caffi Isa, with food sharing, singing
and games. Members of the Syrian, Afghan and Ukrainian
communities all attended.
**----- End of picture text -----**
|Eid food parcels were gifted to 11 Afghan families living within the
County.
As part of the Mold Area Hub, FCOS helped to welcome Ukrainian
refugees and their hosts, at a lunch event.|Eid food parcels were gifted to 11 Afghan families living within the
County.
As part of the Mold Area Hub, FCOS helped to welcome Ukrainian
refugees and their hosts, at a lunch event.| |---|---| |June ‘22
Refugee Week was celebrated at Caffi Isa, with food sharing, singing
and games. Members of the Syrian, Afghan and Ukrainian
communities all attended.|| |July ‘22|**_Croeso_(Welcome)****_Picnic_**: FCOS supporters from Holywell in
partnership with Holywell Transition Group and Town Council
organised an afternoon of music, dancing and family entertainment
with a shared picnic in Greenfield Valley.
The event, held in glorious sunshine in the Greenfield Valley
Community Gardens, was attended by families from the Afghan,
Syrian and Ukrainian communities. Transport was provided to enable
refugees living in an hotel to attend.| The second Mold Hub meeting had an interesting, conducted tour around the town, showcasing the delights Mold has to offer. The tour was followed by lunch. Resettled families attended Mold Town Carnival, thanks to transport costs being sponsored by Mold Town Council. - Sept ‘22 FCOS supported Together with Refugees’ campaign to ‘Fill the skies with hope’ on 23[rd ] with Trustees and supporters joining some of the Syrian young people to fly kites, have fun and have a coffee together. ## **C. TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON MATTERS RELATING TO IMMIGRATION AND THOSE SEEKING ASYLUM** The three key events in 2022 that enabled FCOS to communicate with members of the wider community in Flintshire and North Wales were: ## 1. 31[st] May Urdd Eisteddfod Trip - This event was of particular note as approximately 160 refugees and asylum seekers from across N.E. Wales (65 from Flintshire) were welcomed by the Eisteddfod organisers to the Maes in Denbigh in Welsh, Arabic, Ukrainian and Dari. Some of the children and young people then performed (ad hoc!) on stage songs from their homelands. Bringing people together promotes understanding and communication. Diolch yn fawr/our thanks to Gwen Smith and her colleagues from Menter Iaith Fflint & Wrecsam for arranging the formal welcome and translations. ## 2. Croeso (Welcome) Picnic, Greenfield Valley - With singing, dancing, entertainment and sharing food, this event brought together people from different backgrounds and cultures in a location with great history and significance. The event attracted interest from passers-by, allowing us to share with others how we can all make Flintshire a place of welcome and safety. 3. Working in Partnership Consultation Meeting, Flint, 9[th] December. Recognising that FCOS can achieve more by working in more structured partnership with the many organisations, authorities and charities involved with refugees and asylum seekers we held this session enabled to share information, allow crosstalking and identify key areas for working better together on the priority areas identified. Representatives of the Syrian and Afghan resettled communities, members, supporters and volunteers from Flintshire and Denbighshire CoS groups, L4L teachers, representatives from local government, British Red Cross, TCC and other national and local charities, participated in four discussion groups : - Befriending & Emergency Support - Working in Partnership - Youth Activity & Integration - Community education, events & fundraising Their discussions and feed-back allowed common themes and priority action areas to be defined. Other community education activities - January 2022: Statement on Nationality & Borders Bill: FCOS prepared a statement on the UK government’s proposed ‘antiimmigration’ legislation which was sent to every town and district council within Flintshire County Council to inform them of the realities of the proposed Bill and the Welsh Government’s opposition. - Letters and press releases to local media. - School assemblies – see above - Participation in and speaking about sanctuary seekers at discussions and events held by partner organisations such as TCC, FCC, Community Cohesion, FLVC, etc. ## **D. TO PREVENT & RELIEVE POVERTY** FCOS activities to deliver this objective in 2022 were: - L4L’s educational activities for adults to improve English language skills – spoken and written. See also above. - Befriending support to assist with job applications and learning to drive. For example, being the licensed supervising driver alongside the learner, and sign pointing or introductions to relevant employment opportunities. - Participation in TCC’s Cost of Living summit in September 2022, held in Plas Madoc. FCOS asked members of the Syrian, Ukrainian and Afghan communities in Flintshire to complete TCC’s brief survey on impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on them and their families. This ensured that the concerns of refugees and asylum seekers’ were represented in the information presented to decision makers (local, national and UK representatives present). A FCOS Trustee continues to be an active member of TCC’s cost of living strategy group. - Emergency assistance as needed, e.g. repair of or sourcing a lap top for remote learning. - Gifts for the newly arrived Afghan families to celebrate their first Eid in Flintshire. See photograph of the gift bags ready to deliver to families’ homes. ## **E. TO PROVIDE RECREATION FACILITIES AND PROMOTE EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY** Many of FCOS activities focus on enabling better integration of refugees and asylum seekers into the wider Flintshire community through social, cultural and sporting opportunities, such as those described above in the Youth programme and befriending, often enabled by support from or working with our partner groups. The Croeso Picnic held in July was an example of an integrated, familybased event supported by the FCOS and FCC Youth programme and hosted by our partner organisations. Adults and children with different experiences of seeking sanctuary in Wales came together with a diverse group of longer term residents as members of the North Wales community to join in dancing, music and entertainments. One of the action areas identified in the Consultation meeting in December was to work with our partners in Youth Cymru, EYST and Groundwork to build more integrated activity programmes for 2023 and beyond. Our outreach to schools in assemblies focuses on integration, equality and diversity. An important aspect of the homework club is that the children share instances of racism and other concerns they experience in schools. L4L leads have sign-posted the issues raised to schools and/or FCC. We are aware, however, that due to the geography of Flintshire, those with experience of seeking sanctuary are spread widely across small towns and villages and, other than the Ukrainians who greatly outnumber other groups, are largely invisible. Women with young children are especially disadvantaged due to the limited public transport facilities. ## _**Liz Litherland**_ **Acting Chair of FCoS Board of Trustees** ## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** ## **From: 1[st] January 2022 to 31[st] December 2022** ## **Charity name: Flintshire City of Sanctuary, Working with Synergy** ## **Charity registration number: 1186789** ## **Objectives and Activities** **----- Start of picture text -----**
SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of Para 1.17 (I) To advance the education of
the charity as set out in its the public in general,
governing document especially in Flintshire, about
the issues relating to refugees
and those seeking asylum.
(II) To provide or assist in the
provision of facilities and
activities for recreation or
other leisure time occupations
in the interests of social
welfare with the object of
improving the conditions of
life of those persons who
have need of such facilities.
(III) The promotion of equality and
diversity for the public benefit
by promoting activities to
foster understanding and
engagement between people
from diverse backgrounds.
(IV) The prevention and relief of
poverty amongst those
granted refugee status and
those seeking asylum in
Flintshire.
Summary of the main Para 1.17 and See Chair’s Report above.
1.19
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.
Statement confirming Para 1.18 The Trustees of FCoS have had regard
whether the trustees have to the guidance issued by the Charity
had regard to the guidance Commission of England and Wales on
issued by the Charity public benefit in their administration of
Commission on public the charity.
benefit
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Achievements and Performance** SORP reference Summary of the main Para 1.20 **See Chair’s Report above.** achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. ## **Financial Review** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 This is the third year of operations of
financial position at the end the charity.
of the period
With COVID restrictions easing in 2022,
the charity mainly reverted to face-to-
face activities in the year, as detailed in
the Chair’s Report above. This led to an
increase in expenditure of about
£11,400, with the bulk of this arising
from the youth activities programme
launched in 2022.
At the year-end cash-in-bank was down
by about £2,100, from an opening
balance on 1 [st] January 2022 of £13,811.
Mark Trengove
FCoS Financial Secretary
Statement explaining the Para 1.22 The charity does not hold reserves.
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 See above
Reasons for holding zero Para 1.22 The income of the charity is too small to
reserves justify the holding of reserves. When
further income is needed, it is obtained
by funding applications made to
government and/or charitable bodies.
Details of fund materially in Para 1.24 Not applicable.
deficit
Explanation of any Para 1.23 Not applicable.
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Additional information**||| |---|---|---| |The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)|Para 1.47|**In the year, 99.7% of FCoS’s funding**
**came from grants from government and**
**charitable organisations. Only 0.3%**
**came from small donations from**
**individuals.**| |A description of the principal
risks facing the charity|Para 1.46|**The principal risks are as follows:**

Inability to source continuing
funding of its operations due to| budgetary restrictions in government and charitable organisations.  An incident creating major reputational damage to the good name of the charity. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Charity Name No.
FLINTSHIRE CITY of SANCTUARY 1186789
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
Period start date Period end date
For the period
to
from 01/01/2022 31/12/2022
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
-
-
Restricted grants 13,660 13,660 5,000
General grants and donations 40 - - 40 5,161
- - -
Events sales - 178
- - - -
-
- - - -
-
- - - -
-
- - - -
-
Sub total (Gross income for AR) 40 13,660 - 13,700 10,339
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
-
- - - -
-
- - - -
-
Sub total - - - -
Total receipts 40 13,660 - 13,700 10,339
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
A3 Payments
Tuition fees
- -
2,818 2,818 2,265
Project expenses
348
Activities fees
-
1,370 1,370
Administrative fees
- -
1,350 1,350
Training
410 - - 410
Transport
-
3,908 3,908
Venue costs
-
3,966 3,966
Events costs
- - - 126
Motoring allowances
18 453 - 471 153
IT expenses
104 - - 104 343
Charitable grants & donations
280 185 - 465 98
Room rentals - - -
Licenses
405 - 405
Teaching books & stationary
185 - 185 233
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Insurance
99 - - 99 99
Miscellaneous expenses
29 139 - 168 675
Sub total
940 14,779 - 15,719 4,340
A4 Asset and investment
purchases
IT
- - - 210
Car child seats
102 - - 102
Sub total
102 - - 102 210
Total payments -
1,042 14,779 15,821 4,550
- - -
Net of receipts/(payments)
1,002 1,119 - 2,121 5,789
A5 Transfers between funds
- - -
A6 Cash funds last year end
5,865 7,946 13,811 8,022
Cash funds this year end
4,863 6,827 - 11,690 13,811
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Section B Statement of**|**assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||| |**Categories**
**B1 Cash funds**|**Details**
Bank current account|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**4,863**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**6,827**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**| ||Bank current account|**4,863**|**6,827**|**-**| |**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B3 Investment assets**|**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
**Details**
None
**Details**
None
**Details**|**-**
**-**
**4,863**
OK
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs **
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**|**-**
**-**
**6,827**
OK
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Cost (optional)**|**-**| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||OK| |||||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**Current value**
**(optional)**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**-**| |||||**Current value**
**(optional)**| **B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use** **----- Start of picture text -----**
B5 Liabilities
**----- End of picture text -----**
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees **----- Start of picture text -----**
Teaching equipment Restricted -
105
Laptop computer Unrestricted -
210
Car child seats Unrestricted -
102
- -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
None -
-
-
-
-
Date of
Signature Print Name
approval
Liz Litherland DOROTHY ELIZABETH LITHERLAND 11/10/2023
Tricia Vine PATRICIA DOROTHY VINE 13/10/2023
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Notes to the Statutory Accounts** **Note 1:** a total of £1817 was paid to the following Trustees in their independent capacity as self-employed teachers in delivering the charity’s services: ## **E. Litherland, A. Jones and P. Vine.** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** |**Description of charity’s**
**trusts:**||| |---|---|---| |Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)|Para 1.25|**CIO Foundation Structure Governing**
**Instrument**| |How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)|Para 1.25|**Charitable Incorporated Organisation**
**(CIO)**| |Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
Trustees|Para 1.25|**Trustees may be recruited to the Board**
**by the Trustees, and no other person. In**
**selecting individuals for appointment,**
**the Trustees must have regard to the**
**skills, knowledge and experience**
**needed for the effective administration**
**of the charity.**| |**Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements|**Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements|where relevant about:| |---|---|---| |Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of Trustees|Para 1.51|**A training programme for new and**
**continuing Trustees has commenced.**| |The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works|Para 1.51|**See Chair’s Report**| |Relationship with any
related parties|Para 1.51|**See Note 1 in the financial accounts**
**above. The payment rates for Trustees**
**are the same as those for TEFL teachers**
**who are not Trustees of the charity.**| ## **Reference and Administrative details** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Charity name Flintshire City of Sanctuary: working with Synergy
Other name the charity uses FCoS
Registered charity number 1186789
Charity’s principal address None.
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
period to appoint trustee (if any)
1 T. Carberry Chair All the year None
2 D.E. Litherland Deputy Chair All the year None
3 P.D. Vine Treasurer All the year None
4 M. Greaney Secretary All the year None
5 K. Jewell 01/01/22 – 01/04/2022 None
6 A. Jones 01/2022 – 06/10/2022 None
7 M Trengove Financial Secretary All the year None
**----- End of picture text -----**
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved **Director name** None Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity **Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year** None ## **Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others** Description of the assets **None** held in this capacity Name and objects of the **None** charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for **None** safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets ## **Exemptions from disclosure** Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details **Not applicable** ## **Declarations** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** |**Signature(s)**
**Full name(s)**
**Position (eg Secretary,**
**Chair, etc)**
**Date**|D. E. Litherland
P.D Vine| |---|---| ||Dorothy Elizabeth Litherland
Patricia DorothyVine| ||
Acting Chair
Treasurer| ||13thOctober 2022| ||13thOctober 2022|