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2024-12-31-accounts

FLINTSHIRE CITY of SANCTUARY: Working with Synergy

https://fintshire.cityofsanctuary.org/

Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Charity No. 1186789

Annual Report for the Period 1st January to 31st December 2024

Chair’s Report December 2024

INTRODUCTION

The year January to December 2024, marked the 6th anniversary of the launch of Flintshire City of Sanctuary (FCoS), initially called Synergy. Following the personal challenges of the previous year, this year found us with seven Trustees, and carefully considering the way forward, facing the realities of our size in terms of numbers and, therefore, ability to bring about a change of the narrative surrounding those seeking asylum. FCoS remained thankful for the continued administrative support from Dan Roberts and with our IT & Social Media activities.

FCoS are cognizant of the fact that much more may be achieved by working in collaborative partnership with partner groups with the skills, resources and funding that align with our charitable objects (objectives) to make Flintshire a place of welcome and safety for sanctuary seekers.

As a group we continued our partnership with Theatr Clwyd, (a Theatre of Sanctuary) and Together Creating Communities (TCC), a community organising group based in Wrexham, Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST) and Flintshire County Council (FCC), though to a much lesser extent with the latter than previously; FCC becoming the primary source of language classes and educational support for adults and school age children alike. The British Red Cross has been an important partner in the past but no longer engages with us. FCoS agreed to continue the Homework Club, via Language for Living (L4L), to provide specific targeted educational support to school age children, especially those about to sit their GCSEs. Our newest Trustee, Helen Papworth, is to be thanked for her work in promoting the subject of Climate Migration, as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate, to 6th Formers of the Alun School in Mold. Despite her very real and commendable efforts for engagement, this work was not able to be replicated within other schools in Flintshire, but the resources that she made remain available for use.

Leyla Beattie, (Regional Coordinator of CoS Wales), has worked alongside us throughout the year and has proved to be an invaluable source of both support and information. Friendly links have also been maintained with Action Asylum based in Liverpool. As Trustees we maintained our very real interest, concern and enthusiasm for all matters relating to those seeking sanctuary. Befriending has remained a pivotal part of our work, following the model agreed in 2023, and has, with our sincere thanks been driven by our Trustee Helen Robinson. It must be said however, that all of the Trustees recognise the value of a kind non-judgemental, sensible friend, a listening friend, 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. FCoS accepts the intrinsic safeguarding

responsibilities involved and consequently updated its policy dealing with this issue. Current enhanced DBS certificates were obtained for both Trustees and supporters, as appropriate. An incident within the year necessitated FCoS sourcing information leaflets, in several languages, explaining what a hate crime is and how to seek help if targeted in

this way. We identified ‘signposting’ to the relevant authorities or agencies potentially serious issues and concerns reported to us and our partners/volunteers as something we should very much continue.

In the summer, North East Wales Cohesion Group held a meeting with Community Groups, including FCOS, to discuss the many racist riots taking place. It was at this meeting that North Wales Police outlined and described the measures that had been put in place to protect families and venues used by sanctuary seekers. Sad times.

Following the racist violence in the summer, the increase in general anti-migrant rhetoric and hostility, and how this impacted on people with lived experience in Flintshire, the FCOS Board reflected on our own activities and potential reach. In our Quarter 3 meeting, it was proposed and agreed that we consider merging with one or more neighbouring City of Sanctuary (CoS) group in North Wales to consolidate our capabilities and resources. Contact was made with the Wales Regional CoS Coordinator for advice and members of Denbighshire CoS to explore interest in merging. On 9[th] December during a round table meeting with Trustees of both groups, all agreed in principle to begin planning to merge in 2025.

ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

A. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES DELIVERED BY OUR LANGUAGE FOR LIVING (L4L) PROGRAMME

As reported in 2023, FCOS’s L4L programme was been stepped down during 2023 as Flintshire County Council (FCC) and the British Red Cross (BRC) now actively deliver English language classes and support for adults and school-age children. However, a need for less structured and ad hoc support with English was flagged this year by some of the Afghan and Syrian women in 2024. We are grateful to the former L4L teachers who now provide this support pro bono , with FCOS covering any incurred expenses.

Primary & Secondary Age Students

The homework club to support young people to the age of 16 in English, Maths and Science, and Personal Social & Health Education ceased at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year. However, through the Youth Programme – see below – young people have occasionally reported any concerns or requests for assistance.

B. WIDER FCOS ACTIVITIES TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC, PROVIDE RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES, PROMOTE EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY, AND PREVENT AND RELIEVE POVERTY

Throughout 2024, FCOS continued to partner the Ethnic Youth Support Programme (EYST) to deliver a Youth Programme for young people in Flintshire. With the increased number of young people regularly attending Club Time sessions at the RiverDee Centre in Flint, by April it was clear that a larger venue was needed. Following our consultation with FCC’s Young People’s Officer, a new venue was provided and in June the first group session was

held at a centre in Sealand Garden City. A number of trips were also provided during the year – see the list of activities below. The heightened threat of racist violence in the summer meant that some activities, including away trips, were curtailed.

FCOS continues to provide funding for the transport of the young people and supporting family members to the club activities.

Report of 2024 Youth Programme

January

February

March

June

September

was attended by WCD Young Carers, Mind Our Futures, Coleg Cambria , FCOS and EYST and 100 young people and parents.

October – December

As part of the NEW Sport EYST project, young people within the ethnic community in Wrexham had the opportunity to participate in a variety of events that promote physical activity and health.

The project included fitness classes for women of different age groups to support their physical and mental health and classes, and also provided a space for all to learn about improving their overall wellbeing. Through this project, Dance Empire provided dance classes for girls and became a space for participants not only to learn new steps and

rhythms, but also to express themselves and build self-confidence. These young people are working on preparing a unique performance celebrating and demonstrating their culture to be presented at the EYST Award Ceremony, with further plans to participate at the National Eisteddfod being held in Wrexham in August 2025 2025 | Eisteddfod.

Other positive news to end the year:

FCoS will enable and support befrienders with training on safeguarding and cultural and diversity training, and also to reach out to our supporters to help with venues for meetings, as required. However, because of the informal basis of befriending, this is not an FCoS network.

C. TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON MATTERS RELATING TO IMMIGRATION AND THOSE SEEKING ASYLUM

In addition to the befriending activities and our group’s involvement in partner groups and organisations, the key activities during 2024 that enabled FCoS to communicate with members of the wider community in Flintshire and North Wales revolved around Refugee Week. The hope had been for a week of collaborative, immersive events between Action Asylum, Theatr Clwyd, EYST, FCC and local schools. Unfortunately, a lack of preparation time and a shortage of suitable venues, made this difficult to achieve in the way we had hoped. The focus was to be on educating the community in Flintshire and beyond on the realities of migration and the benefits of diversity. The hope was to have a mix of performances, interactive and/or audiovisual exhibitions and, ideally, planned visits by schools across the county. Despite the hindrances, a programme of varied events was developed and held across the week, the information for which may be seen below. It was pleasing to have the week begin with an event in the County Council Chambers, highlighting the commitment for the Council to be seen as a Local Authority of Sanctuary. The event also involved a presentation from local secondary school children talking on how they were making their school a more inclusive place and one in which racism would not be tolerated.

Fllntshlre City of Sanrtuary R•fug•• W••k 2024 17-23 Jun• Th•m•: 'Our Hom•. IJR FIIMshlr• Proy•mm• Of ev•ni•

MONDAY 11 JUNE Lwnch Everyt hosted by Flintshire County Council TUESDAY 18 JUNE 1.304PM Hosted by Theatr Clwyd A %vomen 5 sinqinq session ￿ by Wtrlsh mus￿1￿￿ Lynwen Haf Roberts. LynwÈn %vill guide you on a musical ioumey tssing a ra￿ of I￿guageS. Locaiion.. 51 David's building. Daniel Owen Squaie, Mokl CHI 1AP Ftee of charge but pl•ceJ should be ieserved.. To Y￿DNESDAy 197N JUNE 10.11.30AM Ho•ted by Theatr Clwyd Presthod lullaby se8s￿n with Lindy from Sinqinq Mamas Lindv uses call and response lechniqu8 lo bu1￿ connetbon. creale baautsfvl lullabs and enable siwinq frcth Ih? swl. Wcrfnen wrth or wrth¢yJt babK9S are welcome. Loeailon.. St Davld'ys bulldlna, Danlel Owén Souaia, Mold CH7 1AP Fr80 of charu8 but placm Should bo l6wfv￿.. To RQQWK THURSDAY 20ThJVNE 7_8.3OPM H091ed by Theatr Clwyd Crealive Dance session wrth Thealr CW dance associate Anoharad Jrmes No expgriencg Is necessary Ever￿n+ olall ag05 0 w•lt¢)m8 Pknase woar tomfortabl8 cl(Ah&$ Locailon.. 51 Dov5d's bulldlna. Danlel Owen Squawe, Mold CH7 1AP Free of charge but plac•• Should bo re88rved.. To BOOK CLICK HERE

D. 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. Participation by an ethnically diverse group of local secondary school students at the launch event in the County Council Chamber and the joyous concert at Rivertown Church to close our programme for Refugee Week are examples of integrated, family-based events organised and/or supported by FCoS where 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.

Teresa Carberry

Chair of FCoS Board of Trustees

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From: 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024

Charity name: Flintshire City of Sanctuary, Working with Synergy

Charity registration number: 1186789

Chair of FCoS Board of Trustees

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 (I)
To advance the education of
the public in general,
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
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 See Chair’s Report above.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The Trustees of FCoS have had regard
to the guidance issued by the Charity
Commission of England and Wales on
public benefit in their administration of
the charity.

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

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 This is the fifth year of operations of the
charity.
The charity focused on continuing its
activities in families and youth work -
see the Chair’s Report above.
This incurred expenditure of £4,661,
with £355 paid on the running of the
charity.
At the year-end cash-in-bank was down
by only £430, from an opening balance
on 1st January 2024 of £7,597.
However, without further funding the
charity will be unable to undertake
continuing or new projects, but does
have sufficient unrestricted funds to
cover normal outgoings for several
years to come.
Mark Trengove
FCoS Financial Secretary
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 The charity does not hold reserves.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 See above
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 The income of the charity is too small to
justify the holding of reserves. When
further income is needed, it is obtained
by funding applications made to
government and/or charitable bodies. If
funding is not obtained its activities are
scaled down appropriate to remaining
funds.
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 Not applicable.
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 Not applicable.

Additional information

Additional information
The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 In 2024 FCoS received a charitable grant
of £4,566 from an NGO.
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.

Charity Name No. FLINTSHIRE CITY of SANCTUARY 1186789 Recei ts and a ments accounts p p y Period start date Period end date For the period to from 01/01/2024 31/12/2024

CC16a

Section A Receipts and payments

A1 Receipts Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest
£
-
20
20
0

0
20		 Restricted
funds
to the nearest £
4,566
-
4,566
0
0
4,566		 Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total funds
to the nearest £
4,566
20
4,586
-
-
4,586		 Last year
to the nearest £
Restricted grants - 0
General grants and donations 20 120
Sub total(Gross income for AR) 20 120
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
0 0
Sub total
0		 0
Total receipts
20 4,566 - 4,586 120

A3 Payments

Tuition fees 0 0 - 0 735
Promotional materials 0 0 - 0 350
Activities fees 0 0 - 0 55
Transport 0 4,661 - 4,661 2,108
Venue costs 0 0 - 0 295
TCC Membership fees 0 0 - 0 50
Motoring allowances 0 0 - 0 122
IT expenses 156 0 - 156 144
Charitable grants & donations 100 0 - 100 0
Teaching books & stationary 0 0 - 0 13
Insurance 99 0 - 99 99
Miscellaneous expenses 0 0 - 0 88
Sub total 355 4,661 - 5,016 4,212
A4 Asset and investment
purchases 0 0 0 0
Sub total
- - - - 0
Total payments 355 4,661 - 5,016 4,212
Net of receipts/(payments) (335) (95) - (430) **(4,092) **
A5 Transfers between funds
0 0 - 0 0
A6 Cash funds last year end 4,198 3,399 - 7,597
Cash funds this year end
3,863 3,304 - 7,167

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories
B1 Cash funds
B2 Other monetary assets
B3 Investment assets
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
B5 Liabilities		 Details
Bank current account
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Details
None
Details
None
Details
Teaching equipment
Laptop computer
Car child seats
Details
None		 Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
3,863
OK
Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Fund to which
asset belongs
Restricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Fund to which
liability relates		 Restricted
funds
to nearest £
3,304
OK
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
-
Cost (optional)
-
Cost (optional)
105
210
102
Amount due
(optional)
-		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
OK
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
Current value
(optional)
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
When due
(optional)
None -

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees

Teresa Carberry
Liz Litherland		 Print Name
TERESA MARY CARBERRY
DOROTHY ELIZABETH
LITHERLAND		 Date of
approval
TERESA MARY CARBERRY 10.10.2025
DOROTHY ELIZABETH
LITHERLAND		 06.10.2025

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
**trusts: **
Type of governing document
(trust deed,royalcharter)		 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		 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 is in position.
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 None.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Flintshire City of Sanctuary: working with Synergy
Other name the charity uses FCoS
Registered charitynumber 1186789
Charity’s principal address 12 Bryn Heulog, Mold, CH7 1TS

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
period		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (ifany)
T. Carberry Chair All theyear None
D.E. Litherland DeputyChair All theyear None
M. Greaney Secretary All theyear None
M. Trengove Financial Secretary All theyear None

– 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)
MAIRE HELENA GREANEY MARK TRENGOVE

SECRETARY		 FINANCIAL SECRETARY
17/10/2025 (TBC)
17/10/2025 (TBC)