## Trustees’ Annual Report Period: 1 November 2023 to 31 December 2024 (Extended to align with the accounting year of our overseas partner, The Route Sixty One Foundation in Kenya.) Charity Details **Charity Name:** Route 61 International ## **Working Name:** Route 61 ## **Charity Registration Number:** 1189501 **Registered Address** : 63 Shearwater Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 0GB **Legal Structure:** Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Structure, Governance and Management ## **Trustees during the period:** David Young, Chair (01/01/2024 to 31/05/2024) Gary Brookes, Treasurer Sarah Bennett Dr Jeremy Goodman Derek Oliver ## **Key Volunteers:** Derek Oliver, Overseas Director (based in Kenya) Penny Oliver, Overseas Director (based in Kenya) ## **Type of Governing Document:** Constitution adopted on 14 March 2020 ## **How the Charity Is Constituted:** Route 61 International is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Number 1189501 **1 of 13** ## Trustee Selection Methods: Trustees are appointed by resolution at a properly convened trustee meeting. Selection is based on skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the charity’s work. All trustees subscribe to the charity’s Statement of Faith and are subject to enhanced DBS checks. ## Key Policies, Procedures and Partnership Agreements For this reporting period, The Route Sixty-One Foundation in Kenya acted as our sole delivery partner, responsible for executing all activities aligned with our charitable objectives. Although delivery takes place overseas, our trustees take their governance responsibilities very seriously. They are committed to careful stewardship, financial honesty, and safeguarding the vulnerable. Our policies are few, but they are well-suited to the scale and nature of our work. They reflect our commitment to integrity, protect the people we serve, and safeguard the mission God has entrusted to us. Two Route 61 volunteers are based in Kenya, serving as Overseas Directors and working closely with our affiliate partner’s team. They provide leadership, clear communication, and consistent oversight. Their presence on the ground helps to build trusted relationships, strengthen accountability, ensure close coordination, and offer hands-on support where it’s needed most. The following policies and agreements guide our work: ## Affiliate Partnership Agreement A signed agreement between Route 61 International and The Route Sixty One Foundation outlines our shared values, mutual responsibilities, reporting expectations, and the basis of our collaboration. It confirms the independence of our Kenyan partner while ensuring that all activities align with our charitable aims and that funds are used with integrity. ## Safeguarding Policy This policy outlines our approach to ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It sets out clear behavioural expectations, defines what counts as abuse or neglect, and describes how concerns must be reported. We require our Kenyan affiliate to adhere to similar standards and notify us immediately of any incidents or risks. **2 of 13** We subscribe to the services of Thirtyone:eight, a UK-based Christian safeguarding consultancy, for expert advice and ongoing support. Our safeguarding framework includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities, as outlined in our policy, with designated safeguarding leads appointed to handle concerns. All Route 61 trustees and volunteers have completed enhanced DBS checks and are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities. ## Equal Opportunities & Inclusivity Policy This policy demonstrates our dedication to treating every individual with dignity, respect, and fairness. It applies to all we engage with, including trustees, volunteers, donors, and our Kenyan affiliate. We do not accept discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, disability, faith, or social background. Our decisions and relationships are guided by the belief that each person holds God-given value and potential. This policy helps foster a culture where people feel recognised, listened to, and able to contribute fully. ## Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy This policy protects the integrity of Route 61 by explicitly banning bribery, extortion, and all types of corruption in our international work. It applies to trustees, volunteers, overseas affiliates, and third parties acting on our behalf. Bribes, facilitation payments, kickbacks, and improper gifts are strictly forbidden under any circumstances. Representatives of the charity should act honestly and transparently in all situations. Any suspected or confirmed incidents must be reported to the Board of Trustees. In cases where personal safety is threatened, an emergency payment may be made, but it must be reported immediately and documented clearly. The policy fosters a culture where corruption is never tolerated. It specifies clear consequences: Route 61 representatives who breach the policy may be removed from their roles, and third parties could have their contracts terminated. Route 61 retains the right to pursue legal action when necessary. ## Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Policy This policy explains how we prevent Route 61’s funds from being misused for criminal or unlawful reasons. It applies to all trustees, volunteers, and anyone handling or transferring money on behalf of the charity. We implement simple yet effective measures to prevent money laundering and the financing of criminal or terrorist activities. These include verifying donors when necessary, recording the purpose of each donation, and maintaining clear evidence of how funds are utilised. Transfers to our Kenyan affiliate are monitored through formal records, and we require receipts and reports for all fund usage. **3 of 13** Any suspicious activity, such as unusual payment requests or inconsistent financial records, must be flagged and reported to the Board of Trustees. We are committed to protecting the integrity of our finances and honouring the trust of those who give sacrificially to support our work. ## Objects and Activities ## Summary of the Objects: The purpose of Route 61 International is to serve the public by working for the good of others, mainly in Kenya, but also in other parts of the world, as the trustees may decide. We do this in two main ways. First, we share the Christian faith, following the beliefs and values outlined in our Statement of Faith; this is not just about words but about showing God’s love in action. Second, we help people break free from poverty. We support education, skills training, healthcare, and other practical assistance that provide individuals and families with the tools to become self-sufficient and build a better future. ## **Summary of Main Activities Undertaken for the Public Benefit:** During the reporting period, Route 61 International advanced its charitable objectives by supporting the work of The Route Sixty One Foundation, our partner based in Kenya. All activities were conducted through this partnership and aimed to address precise public needs in line with our stated objects. The work focused on supporting children in Kenya’s juvenile justice system, many of whom are in conflict with the law, estranged from their families, or victims of neglect. Some may have been abandoned, while others are separated from their families for various reasons. Through mentoring, family tracing, counselling, and practical support, we aim to help each child return safely home, rebuild trust, and find belonging within a family or supportive community. Route 61 International did not deliver services directly. Instead, we allocated the work through funding, provided training for local mentors, and offered regular oversight and encouragement through our Overseas Directors based in Kenya. This structure allowed the charity to maintain accountability while supporting locally driven solutions that bring lasting change. ## Achievements and Performance Through our affiliate partnership with the Route Sixty-One Foundation, Kenya, we: **4 of 13** ## Supported Children in Institutions - Through our Kenyan affiliate, we send teams of trained mentors, known as Children’s Champions, into six government institutions every week. These mentors walked alongside hundreds of children, offering guidance, listening ears, and spiritual support. Our chaplaincy service brought hope and encouragement in places that can feel lonely, insecure and harsh. A total of **860 children were reached** : 759 boys, 99 girls, and 2 babies. Nine children were living with a disability. Although these children receive shelter and food, it is common for their emotional, spiritual and psychological needs to go unmet. For many, our mentors were the only consistent visitors who cared about more than their survival. Children told us that on days when Route 61 does not visit, they feel discouraged, unloved, fearful, and angry. When we asked why our visits matter, their answer was simple: “You are like our parents; you guide us.” These words remind us that what we bring is more than programmes. For many children, it is their only lifeline. Each Route 61 team visit rebuilds their trust, restores their dignity, builds self-worth and affirms the truth that they are lovable and belong. **5 of 13** During Christmas, we hosted 12 parties at children's institutions (six for each year covered by the report), featuring games, decorations, and snacks. Additionally, seven Christmas boxes filled with fun activities were sent to seven institutions within the Nairobi area where there was no physical presence of Route 61. Building Skills and Confidence Eight frontline workers completed certified first aid training through the Kenya Red Cross with our support. These workers are often the first to respond to injuries or emergencies in juvenile institutions, and now they are better equipped to provide life-saving care. **6 of 13** Improving Facilities and Well-being We carried out a significant renovation at one institution, transforming a dull, smokedamaged dining hall and tired outdoor seating area into a bright recreational space filled with motivational artwork and Scripture verses. Children now have a safe and inspiring place to gather, learn, and play. You'll often see children examining the painting, which depicts the parable of Jesus called the Prodigal Son. A perfect story of a boy who made the difficult choice of returning home, receiving forgiveness, and being reconciled. Route 61 provided two cots, clothing and nappies (diapers) to a local baby rescue centre. ## Strengthening Families and Connections We supplied monthly airtime top-ups to eight institutions, enabling children to stay in touch with their families. Throughout the year, children torn from home made **13,942** calls to loved ones. For some, these calls represented the first connection home in years. ## Equipping Those Who Care We organised a retreat for the Route Sixty-One Foundation team in January 2023 to refresh and strengthen those on the front line. We also held monthly training sessions for approximately 12 local church leaders (attendance varied from month to month), providing them with space and time to connect with God, receive His love, and return to their churches feeling renewed. **7 of 13** ## Partnerships Our work would not be possible without trusted partners who share our heart for vulnerable children. These collaborations extend our reach and multiply the impact of what we do. Here’s how each partner made a difference during the reporting period: ## Children’s Fortress Africa We partnered with Children’s Fortress Africa to support the reintegration of children who had lived on the streets of Nairobi. Many of these children were relocated to Western Kenya, where we helped facilitate home visits to rebuild family connections. This partnership gave children a real chance to leave street life behind and return to a safe, supportive home. ## Anawesa – Medical Care Programme Together with Anawesa, we piloted a medical clinic in two government institutions in Western Kenya. These clinics provided essential healthcare services, addressing common but often untreated conditions such as skin infections and respiratory illnesses. This pilot highlighted the urgent need for accessible medical care in institutions where government provision is minimal. ## East Africa Women’s League The East Africa Women’s League bought telephone handsets and funded airtime for eight institutions. These phones became a vital link for children, allowing 13,942 calls to families over the year. Reconnecting with loved ones is an essential step towards reintegration, and this partnership made that possible. The phones are also used by government staff for home tracing, a critical process that helps children safely reunite with their families. Before this programme, staff relied on their personal phones, and families often called them at all hours, putting additional pressure on an already overstretched workforce. By providing dedicated phones and airtime, this initiative enhanced efficiency, safeguarding staff well-being, and resulted in more successful reunifications. ## Harvest Alliance Global Harvest Alliance Global partnered with us to deliver a spiritual training workshop for the Route Sixty-One Foundation team. This training equipped them to provide pastoral care and biblical teaching that brings hope and healing to children facing uncertainty and trauma. **8 of 13** ## Hemel Hempstead Community Church (HHCC) HHCC, a UK church, partnered with us to bless the Nairobi Baby Rescue Centre. Their visit provided practical resources for the babies and offered encouragement to the caregivers. For abandoned infants, these supplies and personal visits served as tangible expressions of love. ## Financial Review Statutory accounts for 14 months were prepared; this was primarily to align with our Kenyan partner, The Route Sixty-One Foundation. This entity has an accounting year ending on 31 December. Also, it is subject to a Kenyan national standard audit. ## **Income** The income of £51,190 for 14 months well exceeded the previous 12 months of £23,631, thus requiring it to be subject to an independent examination for the first time. The Charity Commission sets the directions for this in England and Wales. This large increase included a one-off restricted gift of over £14,000 for the acquisition of a vehicle, but the balance of extra funds was primarily due to existing donors being more generous, with some new donors also coming on board. ## Expenditure Total expenditure rose to £33,762 from £24,806 in the previous year. The main reasons for this increase were higher transfers to our Kenyan affiliate to support staffing, staff welfare, and programme delivery costs, along with project-based ministry expenses and office overheads. Global inflation and the broader international economic downturn also contributed to the rise in costs. **9 of 13** ## Reserves Policy Route 61 International does not currently hold significant reserves. As a faith-based charity, we prioritise using the resources entrusted to us for the direct fulfilment of our mission, rather than storing funds for future use. Every donation is treated as a gift to be released, not retained, choosing to rely on God’s timely and faithful provision. Cash flow is carefully monitored, and trustees receive regular financial updates to ensure commitments are fulfilled before new spending is approved. This method keeps the charity responsive and efficient. For instance, when urgent travel was needed to reunite a child with their family, funds were released without delay. While we recognise the importance of holding reserves, our priority remains on delivering a timely impact. Looking ahead, we are working to strengthen our base of regular monthly donors so that income becomes more predictable and the charity can plan with greater financial stability. ## Fund Balances: At the end of the financial period, unrestricted bank funds totalled £7,023, with an additional £14,938 designated as restricted funds for the procurement of a ministry vehicle. ## Primary Sources of Income: The charity’s primary source of income during the reporting period was voluntary donations from individuals and churches in the UK. Additional income came from sponsored fundraising events and gift aid. No statutory or trust funding was received. ## Future Plans and Partnerships In addition to continuing to strengthen existing partnerships, we are exploring new initiatives and collaborations that will expand our reach and deepen our impact. These plans reflect our ongoing commitment to respond to the needs of children and families in Kenya with creativity, compassion, and accountability. ## Slum Outreach We are planning to begin community development programmes in the informal settlements surrounding Kisumu. Many families in these areas live in extreme poverty. Women, often single mothers, carry the heaviest burden as they struggle to provide for their children. Common challenges include lack of access to clean water, insecure housing, exposure to gender-based violence, and limited employment opportunities. **10 of 13** We believe that supporting women will be a key part of this work, as empowered mothers create stronger families and communities. Our first step will be to conduct research to understand the specific needs of these communities, and then shape an initiative that could include small business training, parenting support, and counselling; this is a critical programme in the making, and we intend to approach it with care and consultation. ## Anawesa – Expanding Medical Care Following the success of our pilot clinics in two government institutions, we plan to integrate Anawesa’s medical services into our routine activities. Children in juvenile institutions often lack access to even basic healthcare, leading to untreated infections, skin conditions, and other preventable illnesses. Institution staff also face difficulties in maintaining hygiene standards due to limited training and resources. Our aim is not only to provide regular medical care but also to deliver essential hygiene and healthcare education to children and staff. Preventing illness will bring long-term benefits for their physical health and emotional well-being. ## Amblecote Community Church Visit In November 2025, we plan to host a team from Amblecote Community Church, UK, for a week-long programme focused on supporting those who serve on the front lines. This visit will include: Activities and workshops to promote well-being among Kenyan institutional staff. Training for local pastors on establishing healthy boundaries between ministry and family life is an often-overlooked area that can lead to strained relationships. A retreat for the Route Sixty-One Foundation team, offering space for personal self-care, reflection, and renewal. ## Kaleo Bible Institute Partnership Kaleo Bible Institute, situated two hours from Kisumu, provides accredited qualifications for church leaders and specialised courses in pastoral care, leadership, and counselling. We aim to strengthen ties with Kaleo to improve the skills of Route 61 mentors and local pastors participating in our programmes. We also hope to see Kaleo students volunteer in our outreach initiatives, especially in juvenile justice institutions and emerging slum projects. This partnership has the potential to develop well-equipped leaders and expand our capacity. **11 of 13** ## Uniquely Structured – Reaching Marginalised Groups We are considering a partnership with Uniquely Structured, a developing associate programme in Kisumu that works with sex workers, people with an addiction, and members of the underground LGBTQ community. These groups often face profound social exclusion and vulnerability. Our role could involve providing training, sharing resources, and supporting their leadership team as they build trust and create pathways to recovery. ## Safe International Partnership Safe International is an NGO based in Kakamega with a proven record of preventing child vulnerability, strengthening family systems, and shaping child welfare policies. We see great potential for collaboration, including sharing best practices, providing training opportunities, and pooling resources for joint initiatives in slum areas and juvenile institutions. Together, we can increase impact where it is needed most. ## Purchase of Ministry Vehicle As our ministry reach expands, the need for travel increases. Additionally, travelling to remote institutions has become more challenging without reliable transportation. Securing a ministry vehicle now ranks as a top priority for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. A dedicated car will enable our team to access hard-to-reach areas, transport supplies, and respond quickly to urgent needs such as family tracing. ## **Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities** The trustees are required under charity law to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give an accurate and fair view of the state of affairs of the CIO and its results for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. - Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for the keeping of proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for the safeguarding of the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. ## Approval This report was approved by the trustees on ……… August 2025 and signed on their behalf **12 of 13** Name ...................................... 13of Route 61 International 1189501 Receipts and payments accounts For the 14 Months from To 01111r2023 31112r2024 Section A Receipts and payments UniKtrtct•d fynLIs R•8th¢ted lund9 Enuowm&nt funds Prevlous 12 moqths Total funds to tha nearest to thp near8St £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ A1 Receipts Donations 36.627 14.276 50,903 21,574 Misc 39 39 Mission Trips Income Sub tot81(Gross income forARI 248 248 2,057 3fj.914 14,276 51,190 23,631 Total receipts 36,914 14,276 51.190 23,631 A2 Payments Ministry support 7,393 7.393 823 transferred funds for project activities and $UPPDrt 25.433 Health and Salety Mission trips ¢osts 2S,433 20,100 246 SubscTrplion 2.057 28 28 46 Shipping costs 635 UK Bank and Insurance 5UPPOrt Casts 660 660 45B Governance costs 687 Sub total 33,762 33.762 24,806 A3 Asset and investment purchases. {see table) Sub total Total payments 33.762 33,762 24,806 Net of rocelptsllpaymentsl AS Translers bètween funds 3,152 14,276 17.428 11.1751 4B5 A6 Cash funds lastyear end Cosh funds this year end 4,356 177 4,533 5.708 7,023 14,938 21,981 4,533 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the ear Un￿trt£*￿rt funds R••trJGt•d El￿¢￿*m•￿t atsgorles Detsi to I0￿￿tt to nMr•st £ B1 Cash fvnds Uetro Bank 4.642 177 Wi88 lThtsrest acmunt 14,761 P8y pal Siedlng Paypal DO¥¥￿ l 8h(A¥n In $terWro1 1,116 W*È Current Bccount 1.065 Total cash lunds 7,023 14,938 Unr8str16tsd fvnds to nearn*t £ Regtslct funds to ￿••￿st¥ End￿ent fun(18 to n8aroAt £ D•tail¥ B2 Other monotary assets Fund to whlch ass•t belon98 Dètsils Cost loptlonall Current valu• Iomionall B3 Investmènt assets Fund lo whlch Details C04t loptkn411 Curyent Valu• loptlonall B4 Assets retslned for the charltys own use Fund itswthlch Amount duo loptionall Vlhon duo loptton*l Oetails BS Uabilltles Si9ned by tsustges on behalf of all the trustee8 Slgnaiure Print Name Dale of approval Gary Brookes Jeremy G¢Jodman Route 61 International Indepelldent Examiners Report to the Trustee5 I report to the trustecs on my examination of the accounts of Rout¢ 61 1nt¢mational for thc p¥riod Responsibilities and basis of report The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wilh the ￿qUirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act,). I report in respect of my exajnination of the trusts accounts carried out under section145 of ihe 2011 Act and in carying out my examination I hav¢ followed all applicabSe Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145 {5) (b) of the Act. Independent Examillers Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in eonne¢tion with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. (l ) accounting records were not in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act. or (2) the accounts do not accord with those record5 . or (3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements ¢on¢erning the fomi and ¢onlent of a¢counts set out in the Cliarities ( Accounts and Reports) Regulation5 2008 other than any requir¢mcnt that the accounts giv¢ a Irue and fair view which is not a matter ¢onsidered as part of an independent examination I have no con¢¢rn5 and have come acTOSS no other malters in connection with the examination to which allentioti should be drawn in this report in order to ¢nable a proper understanding of the accounts to be r¢a¢h¢d Signed Name & Qualificatio Colin Dalton FCA Address 794 High Str¢¢t. Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 8BQ Date .16 J.i.o.J.io£.%.........