ARC Blackburn – Casework Update 2022
Given the current situation of increased numbers of people fleeing Afghanistan, we expect to support a total of 13-15 families initially who have recently arrived in our area and are currently living in hotels. We will need to work intensively with an individual or family over a period which may stretch over several years. We anticipate that many of the men who used to work for the British Army/DfID projects as interpreters are likely to secure permanent employment in the near future with the fast track intensive support of ARC Job Club. It is likely that many females will require additional support with English language and job seeking over a longer period. ARC will tailor the needed intensive social support to Afghan families who will already have refugees status, such as initial orientation for everyday survival: shopping, transport, mental and physical health support, children’s and adult education, cultural orientation and leisure activities. We are fortunate in already having several Afghan families in the ARC community who will be a good link for newly arrived families. Some of these have the language skills and experience to provide interpreting services.
ARC case work office is open 3 days weekly, provides vital day to day survival support assisting all asylum seekers and refugees (AS&R) to navigate complex procedures related to legal status, job seeking, benefits, housing, disability, education and health as they settle into UK life. Case work sessions average 1 hour but complex issues often related to Universal Credit and housing can require over 2 hours especially with increasingly long waits by telephone. A weekly Drop-In allows individuals and families to meet socially building vital friendships and a strong sense of community. Other local organisations and services access the Drop-in to initiate the various support they can provide to AS&R. In addition ARC provide twice weekly English classes, free of cost, for newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees, (Blackburn College charge £350 for beginners course). ARC also runs a Job Club to prepare refugees to seek and obtain employment including CV preparation, job search, interview skills and visits to local employers.
The casework support forms the backbone to the ARC programme. In addition to the paid staff, ARC relies upon a strong volunteer team, many of whom have several years of experience in dealing with the issues of this client group. The volunteers include interpreters, several of whom themselves initially received support through ARC and are keen to support others and to educate the wider community about the experiences and needs of AS&Rs, eg through schools and colleges. ARC has a strong working relationship developed over time with all the relevant agencies/services in the Borough that AS&R come into contact with. Public service offices such as the Council and The Job Centre often signpost clients to ARC, knowing that they will be respectfully supported in a professional way.
We have many case stories which highlight how ARC has helped clients, eg a Sudanese woman 8 months pregnant with a disturbed 2 yr old girl arrived in Blackburn with no family connections, traumatised from leaving family to flee from danger, with little English and no idea about how to get any help. ARC immediately helped her to register with a GP and ante-natal care, photocopied documents for her asylum application, arranged for interpreters for all appointments, signposted for housing, baby equipment, gave emergency food when needed, enrolled her in English class and introduced her to others at the social Drop In which meets on Tuesdays. ARC, by quick, vital action, helped her (and many others like her) overcome the destitution 'gap' and helped her access income support and child benefits. For other case stories see ARC website: www.arcblackburn.org.uk and Health Watch report on ARC website.
The main outputs of ARC are helping clients integrate into UK society, providing
timely help and support to people according to their individual needs, many of whom are initially desperate, confused, frightened and traumatised by the upheaval they have faced. Many speak of ARC as their FAMILY - a place where they feel safe, included, befriended, supported and valued and where they can support each other through also volunteering their time. The specialist work that ARC will undertake with newly arrived Afghan families will ensure that they are quickly able to settle happily in the local area and within the ARC community.
Asylum and Refugee Community, Blackburn Registered Charity No: 1188910 ACCOUNTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for th¢ year ended 31 August 2022
Aslyum and Refugee Community, Blaekburn Registered Charity No: 1188910 Index to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 August 2022. Page Income & Expenditure A¢counl Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements Independent Examiner's Report
Asylum Rofvgw Cornmunfjty Blwckburn R•gi•ter•d Charity No- 1188910 Incorne & Exp¢ndituro Account Y••r Ended 31 August 2022 2021 Incom• Grnnts Donations 124.474.10 8,681.72 72.065.C 6.075.95 Ml$¢•llanoOU8 In¢om• 208.76 133.364.58 77.140.'9S L••• Expon•o$ •nd Ov•rh••d• Staffing Co•ts Staff Wage5 & S4la Stam NIC Pensions Stsff Training Costs Pension Fe8$ Stsff & Voluntoor Exynl 49.947 93 46,OCe.45 934 67 3,2*.LYJ 105 CQ 1,458 10 787 48 50,00 125S2 55.701.70 48.969,45 Tlnt• Appoil Exp•n• Admln6•tr•tlon & Mark•tlng Slalionery & Inks C118nl, Soci?13 and Chanty Eyn L•mplight Training & Datsba Member5hip8 Advertising P¢¥lag? Accounl8ncy. P8yfoII & Ex8min•tvJn of Acctyjnts Funding Appli1 Professional F¢9$ Bonk & Card Fee Travel Expens•s W¢bsilO Feej 578.68 3.720 LN) 750.10 0,00 30.00 295 117.48 748 9) 727 00 647.60 1.325.00 150.00 76.50 6359 400.07 9300 10.79 7.168.94 3,472. e•tsbl18hm•nt Expon¥e8 Renl, Electricity & water Insura Telepho Computer Ex[¢n6 Alomi & S•curity Repairs & Sundry Eguipmènl Equipment Flire Due Oilig8nc8 Chgths Sundry Expenses Cleanin9 Expens•s Oeprecialion ofAs$ets 8.899.56 998 78 3,811 66 195.64 1.022.65 2,331.59 179.15 0.00 219.67 o.oo 2.1eo.89 T.00 330.54 75 cx) 4971>) 81.10 0.00 712.07 17.e69.07 4.546.23 Total Exp?n8•8 80.539.71 54.988.$4 ILo881 Surplus Generat¢d from Operntion• 52.824.87 22,152.41 Profrf• ILo¥ses1 tran8fornd to R•venug R•r 52.824.87 22,152.41
Asylum Refugee Communtty Blackljurn Registered Charlty No . 1188910 Balan¢¢ Sheet 31 Avgygt 2022 2021 Fixed Assets Laptops & Prin18rs Less DepcIati1)N 1.655C 497.CQ 2,367.07 712.OT 1.158.1)J 1,655.00,. Curr•nt A1• C83h 81 bank-3840 Wesl Pennine Meth¢>Jist Circuit ICbtorl Petty Cash In Harnl 92,395 07 37.280 07 2,186.41 92.395.07 39,466.48 Current Llablllti Accr$ Charges Wages Pensions PAYE & NI 425 00 215.72 1,127.24 2,132.44 565.72 N?1 Curygnt A•••ts ,262.63 38,900.76 1 91.420.63 40,555.761 L••• '. R••trlet•d Fundlng r• Tlnl• All 11,740.001 13,700.WI 89.680 63 38,855.76 ReprvB•nt8d by Re$er¥e8 broughl forward 36,855.76 Capital Intrc¥Yucd HSBC (share of 8alanc•} Methodist Circuit Current Account 4,280.95 10.422.40 14.703.351 Add. Surplua ID•fKiti for the year 52.824_87 22,152.41 89.660 63 36,855.76
Aslylum and Refugee Community, Blaekburn Registered Chydrity Iyo: 1188910 For the year ended 31 August 2022 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounling Principles The financial siaiemenis have been prepared in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and with applicable Accounting Standards. Depreciation Depreciation has been calculated to write off the net book values of fixed assets over their expected economic lives at the following annual rales. Computer Equipment 30 0/0 on reducing balance TURNOVER Tumover for the year was £133.364 and represents various charilable grants and donations received in the year CORPORATION TAX Corporation tax is charged in the accounls in the period to which it relates. The amounl ofcorporalion tsx due on Non-charilable trading activities for the year was £ Nil. CONTINUING OPERATIONS None of the charity's activities were acquired or discontinued durin8 the year. TOTAL RECOGIYISED GAINS AND LOSSES The charity has no reco8nised gains or losses other ihan the loss for the financial period delailed herewith
Independent Examiner's Report To the Trustees and Members of Asylum and Refugee Community, Blackburn report on ihe Accounls and Financial Statements on pages I to 2 which have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out on page 3. Responsibilities of ih¢ Trustees and Committee. It is Ihe charily's commiiiee's responsibilii), io prepare accounts and financial ststemenls for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for thal period. In preparing those financial statements the committee are required to . Sel¢cl suitabl¢ accounting policies and apply them consistenily; Make judgements and estimate5 Ihat are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the accounts and financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume ihat the charity will continue to operate. The committee is also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy. at any time, the financial position of the chariiy and to enable to them to ensure that the financial statements comply wilh the Charities Act 2011 They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the chariiy and hence for taking responsible sieps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularfftlies. Respective responsibility of Trustees and Examiner. As described above ihe charity's Irusiees and committee are responsible for ihe preparation of accounts and financial statements. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for ihis year (under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act" b) lo follow the procedures laid down in ihe General Direclions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(b) of th¢ 2011 Act . and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. BASIS of Independent Examiner's report. My examinalion was conducted in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. The examinalion includes a review of the accounting records kept by Ihe charitv and a comparison of the accounts and financial statements presented with ihose records and making such limited enquiries of the offic¢rs of the charity as we considered necessary for the purposes of this report. It also includes consideration of any unusual item5 or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. These procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Indep¢nd¢nl Fxgminer's Statement of Opinion In conneclion 'Ith m}. examination il is tn). opinion that. a) The linancial slalements are in agreement with the books and records kept by the charlty and that the accounting records have been maintained in accordance with section 145 of the 2011 Act
b} Having read only to. and on the basis of. the infonnation contsined in thos¢ accounting records the accounts and financial statements have been drawn up in a manner consistent with the accounting requiremenls specified in the 2011 Aci: No matter has com¢ to my attention which gives me r¢&sonable cause to believe that in any material respect of the requirements of the 2011 Act have noi been met. No malter has come to my attention. to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding ofthe accounts to be reached. Cirah&m Bennett FFA. FAIA. Bcnnetl & Co. A¢¢ountants Spring House 194-196 Union Road OswAldtwistle Accrington BB5 3EG 11 January 2023.
ARC NEWSLETTER
DEAR FRIENDS,
Last year we experienced such a different scaled-back celebration, no-one can deny there’s a growing excitement that we’ll be able to spend time with or loved ones. However, at the time of writing this, increasing numbers of Covid cases as well as the threat of the Omicron variant reminds us that we are not out of the woods yet!
At ARC the festive period brings together many people from different faiths, culture and background, all bound together with one mission- to renew our love and compassion towards those who make perilous journeys and to educate and increase understanding to the wider community about those seeking sanctuary.
But what a year it has been!
Here at ARC, our work never stops. Through the filter of Covid 19 we continued to provide support to our service users remotely and most recently in September this year, the office reopened to deal with queries face to face, as well as welcoming back our ESOL learners. It is no exaggeration when I say that our workload increased by 200% and staff and volunteers have shown such fortitude and positive spirit during such challenging times. We have all had to adapt to new ways of working, developing new skills along the way, however whilst not easy we have tackled each challenge together as a team.
We were pleased when we restarted our weekly Drop In sessions as service users enjoyed meeting up with friends in a safe environment. The pandemic and local restrictions has been a difficult time as many service users felt socially isolated and this impacted on their mental health and well-being. With the help of local specialist agencies, we are able to support service users to process what has happened to them and to develop coping mechanisms to help them to rebuild their lives and mental resilience.
With funding from WEA, we were able to launch the ILHAM project to empower refugee women into employment through focus based training and development. Fifteen participants joined the group in November to learn new skills, develop interpersonal skills, confidence and self esteem.
And finally, this will be my last edition with you as I will be leaving ARC at the end of December 2021. It has been an amazing experience. I’ve met some incredible people along the way and shared some special moments which I will always treasure. The highlight of the year for me has to be when ARC’s very own Volunteer Extraordinaire- Ali Tinta won the One Voice ‘ Man of the Year’ award (see feature). I feel so blessed to know this incredible young man, someone who has waited patiently for over 10 years for a decision from the Home Office, we could all learn about patience and resilience from this truly remarkable person.
My deepest gratitude also goes to the wonderful team at ARC for their hard work and support over the years- you are all STARS!
My thanks always to you all for your ongoing support of ARC (long may it continue) and I hope you enjoy this edition with some food parcels handed out this year wonderful features that you will agree brings into focus the work of ARC Blackburn.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. Love & Light.
SAIDA SOGE (SYD) ARC BLACKBURN MANAGER
NEWS OF THE YEAR
This year was a year of much good news. We had great things happen to many of our clients and team members - from winning awards to gaining positive decisions after 6 years of waiting.
HIGHLIGHTS
240 102 650 refugees seen on average, per month asylum seekers seen on average, food parcels provided per month
MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD - TINTA!
Saturday 9th October evening was a special evening for us all. Our one and only Tinta won the Man of the Year Award at the One Voice Annual Awards for the exceptional work he does for our community in Blackburn and Darwen and beyond.
Over the past 10 years, Tinta has supported many vulnerable people and groups. He has been a volunteer with various charities, undertaking interpreting and casework. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he also volunteered with the local council as well as with the police.
Additionally, at ARC Tinta has been the backbone of the team - always present as a helping hand. We can't think of anyone who deserves it more than he!
Congratulations Tinta and we hope to see you continue all the great work you do.
POSITIVE DECISIONS
We are pleased to share that clients from the following countries gained positive decisions this year! We wish them the very best of luck.
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Iran Iraq Afghanistan Sudan Bangladesh Pakistan Albania Russia El Salvador
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CORE PROJECTS
CASE WORK
ARC case work office is now open 3 days weekly, providing vital day to day survival support. It is available for all asylum seekers and refugees (AS&R) to navigate complex procedures related to legal status, job seeking, benefits, housing, disability, education and health as they settle into UK life. Case work sessions average 1 hour but complex issues often related to Universal Credit and housing can require over 2 hours especially with increasingly long waits by telephone.
THE CASEWORK SUPPORT FORMS THE BACKBONE OF ARC.
In addition to the paid staff, ARC relies upon a strong volunteer team, many of whom have several years of experience in dealing with the issues of this client group. The volunteers include interpreters, several of whom themselves initially received support through ARC and are keen to support others and to educate the wider community about the experiences and needs of asylum seekers and refugees, e.g. through schools and colleges. ARC has a strong working relationship developed over time with all the relevant agencies/services in the Borough that AS&R come into contact with. Public service offices such as the Council and the DWP often signpost clients to ARC, knowing that they will be respectfully supported in a professional way.
A CASE WE WORKED ON
A Sudanese woman, 8 months pregnant with her 2 year old daughter arrived in Blackburn with no family connections, traumatised from leaving family to flee from danger, with little English and no idea about how to get any help. ARC immediately helped her to register with a GP and ante-natal care, photocopied documents for her asylum application, arranged for interpreters for all appointments, signposted for housing, baby equipment, gave emergency food when needed, enrolled her in English class and introduced her to others at the social Drop In which meets on Tuesdays. ARC, by quick, vital action, helped her (and many others like her) overcome the destitution 'gap' and helped her access income support and child benefits.
The main outputs of ARC are helping clients integrate into UK society, providing timely help and support to people according to their individual needs, many of whom are initially desperate, confused, frightened and traumatised by the upheaval they have faced. Many speak of ARC as their FAMILY - a place where they feel safe, included, befriended, supported and valued and where they can support each other through also volunteering their time.
We give thanks to all who seek our help and support and the trust they place in us during this difficult period in their lives
CORE PROJECTS
ENGLISH CLUB
During the coronavirus lockdown, teaching continued on-line using ‘zoom’. During this time three groups emerged. The original beginners’ group made extraordinary progress and became the pre-intermediate group. A new beginners’ group was set up and by the summer term of 2021 another new ‘absolute’ beginners group accessed this on-line teaching. Classroom teaching restarted in September 2021 and gradually numbers have increased as learners are reestablishing their family routines in order to access the teaching.
Absolute Beginners’ Class
There are about 7 to 10 who are now accessing this class. There is capacity for more to join this class. Three learners have their young babies with them, this is no problem to me as a mum of four and grannie of five. I find that I can satisfactorily teach with this group and in fact there is a joy and a sharing as the mums with older children take an interest and the babies give a relaxing dimension to the lessons.
More important even than the learning of English, is that the learners gather with those who are struggling with the same issues of new culture, new language, and an unfamiliar environment.
As confidence grows speaking English is learnt almost incidentally, and group cohesion and friendships are made.
LIZZIE BELL
Beginner, Elementary and Pre-Intermediate
It is a joy to engage with the enthusiasm of our learners as they get to grips with the English language. The classes have always been popular with many learners staying with us to progress from one level to another.
In the short time since returning to in-person teaching and learning after the pandemic lockdown, the numbers have slowly been growing, both with new students and returners.
We try to develop reading and writing skills alongside speaking and listening; many of our learners progress onto college courses and are well aware of the difficulties presented in placing a learner when someone has fluency of speech but very limited literacy skills.
The learners are always very polite and thankful for this opportunity to improve their English. The classes enable them to food parcels handed out this year learn in a supportive environment with others in similar situations. Often new learners arrive with little self-confidence and are very shy to speak but, with the warm welcome, they soon begin to make friends, gain confidence and start to smile!
EC students trip to see the Knife Angel
JANE FARMER CATHERINE SMITH
NEW PROJECTS
THE ILHAM PROJECT
This November, ARC launched the ILHAM Project (which means 'to inspire' in Arabic) - a unique and innovative project funded by WEA. The aim of the ILHAM Project is to create pathways for refugee women to rebuild their lives with dignity and make a positive contribution in the community. This project is made up of empowerment activities as well as accreditated qualifications to support refugee women to develop their confidence skills in employment. By creating a welcoming and supportive place for learning, refugee women will improve their social networks and feel empowered.
ARC FOOTBALL CLUB
With support from Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, 12 members of the ARC community were able to join weekly football sessions at Witton as part of the social inclusion programme. Alongside Creative Football and Blokes United, ARC members played several matches, learned new team building skills as well as improving their physical and mental health & well-being.
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food parcels handed out this year
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SUMMER CONVERSATION CLUB
Over the summer break ARC delivered conversation clubs for learners. These sessions were led by volunteers for refugees and asylum seekers to practice their English language skills. Each session was topic based with themes such as Travel, Health, Money. The sessions helped learners to boost their language skills and confidence and to practice using the language in various settings, i.e ordering food and drink in a Cafe.
2021 AT A GLANCE
As the Covid restrictions slowly eased, ARC was finally able to open our doors again. We were back in full swing this year with our regular activites such as the Drop-ins and a host of new projects too!
Various high schools dropping PCSO Husna Mayet with Little Ahmed at our Drop in off winter gifts
On-site English Club back in full swing
Weekly food distribution
Donated baked goodies from TIGHS ILHAM project art work
Family day trip to Southport
Boxes of food donations from Blackburn Rovers for clients
Wrap Up Lancashire donating winter clothing
Easter egg gifts for our young clients
A standard Tuesday drop in
THANK YOU!
ARC would like to thank these following organisations for all the help and support they have given throughout the year.
...and all our local individual supporters.
A special THANK YOU to the Methodist Church, in particular West Pennine Moors Circuit for their continued support to ARC.
food parcels handed out this year
TO DONATE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ARC BLACKBURN, FIND US AT
www.arcprojectblackburn.com | Facebook: @ARCProjectBlackburn | Email: arcprojectblackburn@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS: Rachel Warner, Rachel Hodge, Lizzie Bell, Jane Farmer, Catherine Smith, Thasneema Naushad