Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statement 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024 Charity Commission Registration No. 1189561 **CONTENTS** **Page 3 Our Mission, Values and Aims** **Page 5 About Us** **Page 6** **Trustees Statement** ## **Page 7** **A Note from the Chief Executive Officer** ## **Page 9** **Key Achievements** ## **Page 16** **Case Study 1: Golsana’s Journey to Hope and Stability** ## **Page 18** **Case Study 2: Empowering Community Leaders Through Collaboration and Trust** **Page 20 Financial Overview** **Page 21 What next for RBB?** **Page 22 Charity Information** **Page 23 Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities** **Page 24 Structure & Governance** **Page 25 Financial Statements and Independent Examiner’s Report** Page 2 ## **OUR MISSION** ## **Who We Are** ## **Field Team Composition:** 80% of our field team is composed of individuals from refugee and asylum-seeking communities. Our team represents a diverse range of countries, including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, UK, Gambia, Cameroon, USA, Poland, Sierra Leone, Palestine, and Yemen. ## **Leadership and Project Focus:** We are a female-led initiative. Our project is driven by community involvement. ## **Diverse Core Team:** Our core team includes members, advisors, and ambassadors from diverse backgrounds. We prioritise involving those with lived experiences of migration within our organisation and team, from the decision making processes to the delivery of humanitarian assistance. ## **OUR VALUES** **Empowerment** ## **Voice** ## **Inclusion** ## **Equity** ## **Family** **Dignity** Page 3 ## **Aims: Humanitarian aid whatever it takes!** Our aim at Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is to provide humanitarian aid with a "whatever it takes" approach. We deliver urgent aid, basic necessities and advocate for displaced individuals, ensuring dignity and equity in all our actions. This can range from distributions of food, shelter items and winter clothing to campaigning for human rights. We strive to empower displaced individuals by actively involving them in the decisionmaking processes to the delivery of humanitarian support. We use a mutual accompaniment model, which allows us to work and learn alongside our communities of support to ensure their needs are met effectively and resourcefully. Our advocacy efforts focus on sharing the stories of the people we support, raising awareness, and amplifying their voices to the wider community, as well as actions within our expertise to ensure the rights of displaced people are upheld. Additionally, we address gaps in humanitarian care by volunteering and assigning team members where they are most needed. Our presence helps boost morale and sustain those who are forcibly displaced on their journeys, offering support and solidarity every step of the way. Page 4 ## **ABOUT US** ## **Background** Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) began as a grassroots movement in response to the escalating Syrian refugee crisis in 2015. It all started with a dedicated group of friends who, driven by compassion, cooked and distributed 2,500 portions of biriyani and bananas to every resident of the unofficial refugee camp in Dunkirk, Northern France. Upon returning home, they were profoundly moved by the experience and resolved not to turn their backs on those affected by displacement and crises. Recognising the urgent need for continued support, they founded Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB), inspired by their initial mission. What began as a local effort quickly evolved into a committed organisation with a global vision. On May 19, 2020, RBB became a registered charity with a mission to support and advocate for the 120 million displaced people worldwide, as reported by the UNHCR. In addition to assisting displaced individuals, we are committed to providing aid and advocacy to diverse populations facing vulnerabilities due to war, persecution, and poverty. ## **Where We Are** Since September 2015, Refugee Biriyani & Bananas has been dedicated to providing vital humanitarian assistance to displaced individuals residing in refugee and IDP camps, squats, and other unstable settlements along migratory pathways. Our presence has spanned several critical locations, including: **France:** Calais, Dunkirk, and Paris **Greece:** Idomeni Camp, Thessaloniki, Athens, Lavrio, Samos, and Chios **Northern Iraq:** Duhok and Sinjar **Serbia:** Belgrade Barracks ## **Bosnia & Herzegovina - Croatia Border:** Vucjak Camp **Turkey:** Istanbul ## **Poland, Belarus & Lithuania Border** ## **Ukraine Border** ## **Gaza, Palestine** Our commitment to these areas reflects our dedication to reaching those in urgent need, wherever they may be, and delivering support to the most vulnerable populations along their arduous journeys to seek sanctuary. Page 5 Page 5 ## **TRUSTEES STATEMENT** On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I pleased to present our annual report. Over the last year, RBB has been through a great deal of change. We have further strengthened our governance, begun to review strategic priorities, and continued to have a significant impact despite a challenging fundraising environment. Through our deep and trusted connections across the communities we support, and with the direction of our innovative and driven CEO, we have maintained our nimble and responsive approach. Our vital work In Greece has remained at the core of our work, supporting those who have recently made crossings and long standing communities. In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we are proud to say our organisation has been able to respond quickly via our network of supporters and leaders. Our Humanitarian Leaders Programme reflects the deep commitments we have to the value of investing in the capacity and development of communities to own and direct this work on the ground. We will continue to invest in this capacity as a matter of course, both through dedicated programmes and through our standard operating procedures. As our trustees enter the final year of their inaugural terms, we will be reviewing our trustees numbers and likely opening up several phases of recruitment to expand the range of skills we can draw on. We look forward to reporting on further progress and impact in coming years. **Tom Snape** _**Chair of Trustees**_ Page 6 ## **A Note from the Chief Executive Officer** Dear Friends and Supporters, As the Chief Executive Officer of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB), I am honoured to lead our small but powerful organisation through another challenging year. In the face of formidable global challenges, particularly for grassroots organisations like ours dedicated to supporting refugees and displaced individuals, our resolve remains strengthened. This year, we navigated a landscape marked by diminished funding, waning awareness, and critical shortages of volunteers and staff. Like many of our peer organisations, we have faced significant struggles. Some of our partners have sadly closed their doors, while others have scaled back operations, leaving the communities we support more vulnerable than ever. Yet, as we celebrate our fourth year as a registered charity and our ninth year as an organisation, we remain steadfast and resilient. Our efforts this year focused on providing aid to displaced individuals on the Greek Island of Chios, Athens and in Gaza. In Chios, we continued large-scale aid distributions to those living in the Vial refugee camp and surrounding apartments. In Athens, our 'Qalbi' distribution centre has consistently provided essential food, hygiene products, and other non-food items to those in need. Beyond material support, we launched the Community Humanitarian Leader Programme (CHLP), offering training and mentoring to two individuals from Cameroon and Syria in humanitarian aid work and leadership. This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering community members to lead with empathy and effectiveness. Our deep-rooted trust within our communities has established us as one of the key organisations on Chios Island, responding to individuals in distress after arrival to Chios. We continue to advocate tirelessly for the asylum rights of people on the move, confronting border violence with unwavering determination, working with a network of human rights defenders. As global crises persist, such as the conflicts in Sudan and Congo, our community members are profoundly affected, worried for the safety of their friends, families, and homelands. People continue to arrive in Greece, driven by war, conflict, oppression, and poverty, seeking refuge and a chance at a better life. On October 7, 2023, the escalation of violence in Palestine, following an attack by Hamas, resulted in a devastating response from Israeli authorities. The assault on Gaza has deeply impacted our Palestinian community members, colleagues, and the public at large, with over 38,000 lives lost and approximately 15,000 of them children. Nearly 2 million Gazans are now displaced, living in dire conditions, many suffering severe injuries. Page 7 In response, our dedicated volunteers, with strong ties to Gaza, supported us to initiate an emergency aid response. RBB formed a team to support nearly 50,000 people in Gaza (at the point of writing this report), delivering dried food packs, fresh vegetables, cooked food, baby products, and hygiene items. Our teams have facilitated the distribution of locally sourced aid and coordinated shipments from Cairo to the Rafah crossing, ensuring that essential supplies reach those in desperate need. In addition to immediate aid, we are committed to providing resources and capacity-building support for our Palestinian team members, equipping them to support their communities in the long term. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering trust and support of our partners and donors. To each of you, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. I also wish to thank the RBB team for their remarkable dedication and resilience. Our volunteers, both on the ground and supporting us remotely, have been instrumental in large scale aid distributions, raising awareness and fundraising, enabling us to continue our vital work. On behalf of RBB, I extend heartfelt thanks to the communities we serve for their trust and mutual accompaniment. We are honoured to be part of their journey and are committed to improving and expanding our efforts in the coming year and beyond. Together, we promise to persevere, striving to support those in need for as long as we can. With sincere gratitude, **Ruhi Loren Akhta** r _**Chief Executive Officer**_ Page 8 ## **KEY ACHIEVEMENTS** Thank you to everyone who donated, raised funds, volunteered in the field or remotely, supported procurement of aid, shared our social media posts, and offered encouragement. A special thanks to members of the asylum-seeking community who volunteered with us despite their own challenging circumstances. **A comprehensive financial overview is included after this section with our Accountant’s Independent Examination.** Together, we supported approximately **44,800** people across all sites, providing ongoing care where needed and one-time assistance for those on the move. This equated to **57,970** individal distribution instances over the year. **Our distributions were aimed at people from Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Palestine, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Albania, Greece, and various regions of Africa, including East, West, and Sub-Saharan Africa (Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan). These efforts targeted individuals who are displaced or in need in Chios, Athens, and Gaza.** ## **Food and Hygiene Products** **With a primary focus of providing food security and hygiene items we purchased £111,300 of Food Supplies and £9,555 of Hygiene Products** With financial and in-kind donations, a total of **12,705** individual, community directed, food & hygiene packs were distributed. The average number of items per pack was **10** products, ranging between **5** items and **16** items per pack. Page 9 **Individual Food Items Individual Hygiene Products 85,712 12,217** **While this is not a complete list of all the food and hygiene products distributed this year, it provides insight into some of the most popular items and quantities made possible by your support.** **----- Start of picture text -----**
41,395 Cans of 100 g
Tinned Fish
6,104 Bottles of 1 Litre 3,290 Cans / Bottles of 500 g
6,116 Packs of
Cooking Oil Vegetables and Varied Tomato
1kg Sugar
Preparations.
1,130 Packs of
1kg Pasta
16,432 Bags of 3,390 Packs of
1kg Rice 1kg Flour
8,648 Packs / Tins of
250g Fresh and Canned
Halal Meats
210,000 cups of Soft Drinks, Fruit
Juices, Tea and Coffee
10,563 Tins / Packs of 500 g Dried
3.5 Tonnes of Dates
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
10,563 Tins / Packs of 500 g Dried
and Tinned Lentils, Chickpeas,
Pulses and Beans
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
5 tonnes of fresh vegetables
**----- End of picture text -----**
**15,253 packs of salt, spices, crips, croissants, biscuits and bread roll** **----- Start of picture text -----**
2,320 Cartons of
1 Litre Milk
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 10 **----- Start of picture text -----**
1,000 Bottles and Bars of 100g
of Body Wash and Soap
300 Bottles of of 400
ML Shampoo
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
4,060 Boxes of 500 g
2,300 Bottles of 750 ML Soap Powder
Dishwashing Liquid
**----- End of picture text -----**
**567 Deodorant and packs of wet wipes** **----- Start of picture text -----**
322 Toothbrushes &
150 g Toothpaste
**----- End of picture text -----**
**35,800 individual Sanitary Towels** ## **Non-Food Items** **In Chios and Athens, 6,176 pieces of non-food aid items were distributed. These included blankets and sleeping bags, tents, children's educational supplies, gifts and art supplies, kitchen equipment, household items, shoes, clothes, suitcases, backpacks, and winter thermal accessories. The majority of these items were donated in-kind by private donors, businesses, and other NGOs, with additional items purchased as needed.** Page 11 **OTHER KEY SUPPORT INTERVENTIONS** ## **Support for the deceased & their families** We supported the burial and funeral services of six people in Chios and Athens by facilitating communication with their community groups, attending the services, and providing materials, volunteers, and transportation for the burials. Additionally, we offered social support to the family members. ## **Hot meals & other food** In Chios, Athens, and Cairo, we provided 12,370 individual portions of hot meals, cooked food, water, and drinks. These were distributed during outreach sessions, at the 'Qalbi' center, for celebrations and activities, to community volunteers, and during emergencies. ## **Supermarket vouchers** We distributed £12,332 worth of supermarket shopping vouchers to 822 individuals and families in Athens, allowing them to purchase fresh food items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats. ## **Aid trucks to Gaza** In February and March 2024, we traveled to Cairo, Egypt, to dispatch two trucks of aid to Gaza. The shipment included 40 pallets of supplies, such as food, water, baby wipes, and sanitary towels. Our field teams in Gaza received and distributed these items. Page 12 ## **Community Humanitarian Leaders Programme (CHLP)** **Objective** : The Community Humanitarian Leaders Programme (CHLP) empowers communities with experience in forced displacement by providing capacity training and employment for participation in humanitarian aid, management, and leadership. The program focuses on a person-centered, integrated approach to support individual growth, community strengthening, and transferable skills development. **Fourth Year Achievements** : As a registered charity, we offered opportunities to two individuals from Cameroon and Syria. This year, the initiative was more structured compared to previous years, providing field experience and on-the-job training with a basic living stipend or salary. **Specialist Training and Mentorship** : Participants received 208 hours of training and mentorship from consultants and experts, both pro bono and paid. The training included: - Induction to RBB and humanitarian work principles - Start-up and hospitality / social centre management - Financial management basics - First aid and basic life support - Introduction to fundraising - Photography, videography and digital content creation for NGOs, humanitarian work and awareness raising Online Orientation, which covered: - Humanitarian aid work, terminology, and principles of accompaniment vs. saviourism - Background on forced migration, operational contexts, and power dynamics - Safeguarding and data protection - Wellness and self-reflection practices - Field training, including criminalization aspects - Driving lessons (theory and practical) with tests - Emergency response management relevant to RBB's work - Overview of evolving support systems for displaced people on Greek Islands since 2015 Roles and responsibilities of the trustees board - Coaching and mentorship by an experienced humanitarian leader with lived experience of displacement and seeking asylum in Greece, who is also founder and CEO of their own NGO. Page 13 **In addition to offering a structured training program for the two participants, we delivered essential support sessions and mentoring for our Gaza coordination team. These sessions focused on due diligence processes, charity governance, reporting and assessments for humanitarian aid delivery. See Case Study 2: Empowering Community Leaders Through Collaboration and Trust on Page 18 for further details on this.** **These mutual support sessions enabled us to learn from each other's experiences in providing aid in Gaza, empowering the team to navigate the challenges of operating in an acute war zone while upholding charity best practices. This collaboration not only strengthened our team's capacity but also ensured the effective and responsible facilitation of humanitarian support in a highly complex environment.** ## **#EndPushbacks Interventions, Advocacy & Crisis Support** Throughout the year, we maintained our helpline to support individuals arriving in Greece, providing guidance based on their location and available support mechanisms. We handled 78 incidents involving people in distress post-arrival to Greece, offering advice and facilitating a reporting mechanism to help them register for asylum. Of these incidents, 85% involved groups arriving on the island of Chios, while the remaining 15% occurred on other islands such as Lesvos, Samos, Ikaria, Oinousses, with a few cases on mainland Greece. We collaborated with human rights NGOs, legal support teams, advocates, monitoring groups, and journalists to raise awareness and engage relevant authorities, including the Greek Ombudsman. Our efforts aided 1,656 individuals in seeking asylum, rescue, medical support, and transfers to camp facilities, enhancing their chances of asylum registration instead of risks associated with such a perilous journey, facing pushbacks, other border violence related consequences. Our remote support for individuals in distress varied from a few hours to several days, depending on each situation's complexity, including aftercare and follow-up. We also assisted friends, families, and other NGOs who were searching 17 missing persons throughout the year, filing reports with our collective, directing them to appropriate organizations, services, and authorities. Page 14 ## **Social Support & General Well Being** **Over the past year, we provided social support and promoted general well-being on 5,655 occasions, advocated for individuals, . and supported a total of 6,901 people** These interventions range from one-time actions to ongoing, consistent support over time. They are community-driven and can be directed towards individuals or groups. The activities include: ## **Referrals and Facilitation of :** Medical support - Legal Aid - Education - CV Writing and Employment - Sports, Music and Social Activities - Housing and Shelter - Other Integration Services. - Accessing their community special groups and organisation. - Clothing and baby specialist services ## **Translation** **Transportation Support and Travel Tickets Accompanying to appointments if necessary** ## **Activities and Celebrations:** - Cooking Sessions - Football and Sports - Festivals and Celebrations - Commemorations - Day Trips - Community meals - Children’s activities Page 15 **CASE STUDY 1: Golsana's Journey to Hope and Stability** ## **This case study showcases the vital work of RBB and our partners in transforming lives and underscores our commitment to building inclusive and supportive communities.** ## **Background** Golsana's story is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Forced to flee her home country after the tragic suicide of her husband, for which she was wrongfully blamed, Golsana's life was plunged into turmoil. As a single mother, she was compelled to protect her three-year-old son, Rahman, from the threats that surrounded them. Their journey led them through numerous countries, including Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, where Golsana and Rahman endured the harrowing experiences of human trafficking. Upon reaching Greece, her application for asylum was rejected, leaving her with few options. To survive, she entered into a marriage with an older man who provided little care for her and her son. Although they had shelter, Golsana struggled to secure basic necessities like food, schooling for her son, and was unable to work due to her responsibilities as a mother. By the time Rahman was seven years old, they had reached a critical point, and it was then that they encountered RBB. ## **RBB's Intervention** RBB's commitment to diversity and holistic support proved to be a turning point in Golsana's life. As one of the few organisations with a Bengali-speaking female team member, RBB was uniquely positioned to assist Golsana. Our organisation was asked to provide translation services for an assessment session conducted by another NGO, which was offering social services and legal aid for her asylum case. Additionally, due to Golsana's complex medical needs and the sensitivity of her situation as a survivor of gender-based violence, a female translator was essential—a need RBB could meet. Recognising the additional challenges Golsana faced, including illiteracy and unfamiliarity with technology, RBB expanded its support. We facilitated her access to food supplies and hygiene products, guiding her through our Page 16 **s** ystems with the aid of our Bengali translation support. Our team also assisted her in navigating the local area, ensuring she could reach essential services and our own Qalbi Centre. ## **Community and Collaborative Efforts** Golsana's visits to our Qalbi Centre provided a supportive environment for her and Rahman. While Golsana found solace in speaking her mother tongue and connecting with others over a cup of tea, Rahman enjoyed participating in activities organized by our volunteers. This sense of community played an important role in their journey toward stability. Through collaboration with partner organizations, Golsana was referred to a women's centre that offered comprehensive legal assistance for her asylum case. They also facilitated the process for Rahman to receive necessary vaccinations and enroll in school. Throughout these steps, RBB continued to offer moral support and translation services whenever needed. ## **Outcomes and Future Prospects** Today, Golsana's life has transformed significantly. She is employed as well as participating in the learning of Greek and English, Rahman is attending school, and they are no longer dependent on external aid for basic needs. Golsana's story exemplifies the impact of coordinated support efforts and highlights the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in service provision. RBB is committed to working alongside individuals like Golsana, demonstrating that with community support and access to resources, even the most challenging circumstances can lead to positive outcomes. This case underscores the critical role of diverse teams and collaborative networks in delivering effective and compassionate care to those in need. ## **Please note Golsana and Rahman’s names have been changed to protect their identity** Page 17 ## **Case Study 2: Empowering Community Leaders Through Collaboration and Trust** ## **The Story of Osama and RBB’s Response to the Gaza Crisis** ## **Background** Osama's journey with RBB began as a volunteer on Chios Island in 2020, where he was seeking asylum in Greece. While there, he played an essential role in providing translation, conducting outreach, and assisting with humanitarian aid distributions. His dedication to helping others made him a key part of our team, and over time, he became a close friend to many of us at RBB. After leaving Greece, having received his asylum, Osama remained committed to our mission. He continued to support RBB remotely by using his language skills to facilitate communication and aid delivery across borders. ## **The Escalation of war in Gaza, Palestine** On October 7th, when the conflict in Gaza escalated, Osama was pivotal in shaping RBB’s response. Leveraging his strong ties to Gaza through family and friends, Osama proposed a plan to support the people in the besieged region. His insight and connections allowed RBB to rapidly mobilise resources and establish a team on the ground comprising of his sister, brother and best friend. Our friendship and trust with Osama played a crucial role in how we were able to adapt quickly to the evolving situation. ## **RBB’s Emergency Response** In response to Osama’s proposal, RBB formed a dedicated team to address the urgent needs in Gaza. At the time of writing this report, our efforts have supported nearly 50,000 people by delivering essential items, including dried food packs, fresh vegetables, cooked meals, baby products, and hygiene items. Our approach involved both the distribution of locally sourced aid and the coordination of shipments from Cairo to the Rafah crossing, ensuring timely delivery of critical supplies. **Our Gaza team leading aid distributions includes Ahmed and Mustafa who are brother and best friend of Osama** Page 18 ## **Empowering Local Communities** RBB’s response in Gaza was not only about immediate relief but also focused on long-term sustainability. We are committed to empowering our Palestinian team members through capacity-building initiatives, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to support their communities effectively. This approach underscores our dedication to listening, fostering mutual trust, involving community members in decision-making, and taking their ideas forward. ## **Impact and Future Prospects** Osama's continued involvement with RBB exemplifies how empowering people who are refugees and community leaders can lead to impactful change. By listening to those directly affected and involving them in decision-making processes, we can develop more effective and culturally sensitive solutions to complex humanitarian challenges. RBB remains committed to working alongside individuals like Osama, recognizing the value of their insights and experiences in shaping our response efforts. By investing in capacity-building and providing the necessary tools, we aim to support communities in building resilience and achieving long-term stability. **This case study highlights RBB’s collaborative efforts and emphasizes the importance of empowering community leaders in crisis response. Osama’s story demonstrates how listening and mutual trust can lead to meaningful and sustainable impact while reflecting the friendship and solidarity that strengthens our efforts.** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Osama volunteering with RBB in Chios, Greece
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Year 2020** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Osama, Ruhi & The Gaza Team in Belgium
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Year 2024** Page 19 ## **FINANCIAL OVERVIEW** Over the past year, we’ve been able to not only continue but increase our level of support for refugees and displaced individuals, operating in Greece and Gaza. This is thanks to the generosity and trust of hundreds of individuals as well as from granting bodies and corporations. Income increased across all fundraising streams in comparison with the previous year, from grants and corporate donations to individual giving. Meanwhile, expenditure for this year has also increased, primariily due to our additional support provided in Gaza. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Greece
General Gaza
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Where our money went
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Total funds raised: £240,505** This year, we raised a total of £240,505, compared with £203,373 last year. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Private donations
14.3%
Crowdfunding
29.4%
Grants
53.5%
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Total funds spent: £238,928** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Admin
3.2%
Team Logistics
6%
Aid
Salaries
59.1%
21.2%
**----- End of picture text -----**
This year, we spent £238,928 on our charitable activities, compared with £191,164 last year. The main expenditure categories include: Aid provided = £137,685 - Staff salaries and stipends = £41,930 Team costs (travel, accommodation) = £22,995 Freight, transport & fuel = £5,897 Distribution centre rent = £3,506 Storage and warehousing = £1,720 Page 20 ## **What’s next for RBB?** As we look ahead, RBB is committed to amplifying our impact and reaching even more communities in need. Our primary focus for the upcoming year will be on expanding our core programs, ensuring that we provide sustainable and meaningful support where it is needed most. This will involve deepening our partnerships with local and international organisations and community leaders, enhancing our volunteer / support network, and broadening our outreach initiatives. We also plan to leverage new specialist service provisions to streamline our operations and improve service delivery, allowing us to operate more efficiently and extend our reach. In addition, RBB will place a strong emphasis on securing new funding sources. We recognize the importance of financial sustainability and are actively pursuing diversified funding streams, including grants, corporate partnerships, and community-driven fundraising campaigns. These efforts will ensure that we remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainties and are able to continue our mission-driven work without compromise. We invite our supporters to play a key role in this journey. There are many ways to get involved, from becoming a volunteer, to making a donation, joining one of our fundraising events, to spreading the word about our mission in your communities and networks. Every action, whether big or small, helps us move closer to our vision of a more equitable and compassionate world. By donating, fundraising, or simply sharing our story, you can help us extend our reach and impact. Together, we can make a real difference. The future of RBB is bright, and with your continued support, we will build upon our successes and drive positive change, guided by our mission to serve those in need with compassion, efficiency, and dedication. Page 21 ## **CHARITY INFORMATION** ## **Trustees for 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024** Tom Snape - Chair of Trustees Abdelilah Alhamoud - Vice Chairperson Jacob Warn - Treasurer Jennifer Capasso - General Trustee Frances Loring - General Trustee ## **Registered Address** 52 Clifton Road Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 8DQ ## **Constitution** Registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales, no. 1189561 ## **Independent Examiner** Louise A. Considine, M.A., C.A. The Grant Considine Partnership Chartered Accountants 46 High Street Banchory Aberdeenshire AB31 5SR ## **Banks** The Co-operative Bank p.l.c. P.O. Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester, M60 4EP Wise Payments Limited 56 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JJ **Website** : www.refugeebiriyanibananas.org **Facebook** : RefugeeBiriyaniAndBananas **Instagram** : Refugee_biriyanibananas **Twitter** : RBBOrganisation **YouTube** : @refugeebiriyanibananas Page 22 ## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES** ## **Year Ending 31st March 2024** The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and financial statements for the year ending 31st March 2024. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles outlined by the Charity Commission and comply with the charity’s constitution. The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and financial statements in line with the applicable UK Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Under the law governing charities in England and Wales, trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year. These statements must provide a true and fair view of the charity’s financial position, including incoming resources and their application for the period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees must: - Select and consistently apply suitable accounting policies. - Follow the methods and principles outlined in the Charities SORP. - Make reasonable and prudent judgments and estimates. - Confirm adherence to applicable accounting standards, noting any material departures in the financial statements. - Prepare the statements on a going concern basis, unless there is evidence suggesting the charity may not continue operations. The trustees are also responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, which disclose the charity’s financial position with reasonable accuracy and ensure compliance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the trust deed. Page 23 ## **STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE** During the year, RBB has been governed by five charity trustees, while our constitution requires a minimum of three. New trustees are appointed by existing trustees and serve a term of three years, with eligibility for reappointment. Trustees volunteer their expertise and time without remuneration. Meetings were held every six to eight weeks, both via video call and in person when possible, as per our constitution. All meetings were chaired, and minutes were recorded. Trustees also communicated regularly through email, WhatsApp, and phone calls to stay updated on projects and to approve or decline initiatives and expenditures, either as a group or in sub-teams. Our strategic priorities and areas of activity are continuously reviewed to adapt to the evolving crisis for displaced people and respond to sudden emergencies with a flexible, needs-based approach. ## **WE THANK YOU!** Page 24 **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1189561** **Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** **for** **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** The Grant Considine Partnership Chartered Accountants 46 High Street Banchory Aberdeenshire AB31 5SR **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** **Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** ||**Page**| |---|---| |**Report of the Trustees**|1| |**Independent Examiner's Report**|2| |**Statement of Financial Activities**|3| |**Balance Sheet**|4| |**Notes to the Financial Statements**|5 to 10| |**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**|11 to 12| **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** Page 1 ## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2024. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Louise A Considine, M.A., C.A. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland The Grant Considine Partnership Chartered Accountants 46 High Street Banchory Aberdeenshire AB31 5SR Dec 19, 2024 Date: ............................................. Page 2 ## **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** ## **Statement of Financial Activities** ## **for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** |Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
68,885
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
11,986
**Charitable activities**
Charitable Activities
51,464
Other
1,988
**Total**
65,438
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
3,447
**Transfers between funds**
9
6,798
**Net movement in funds**
10,245
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
72,408
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
82,653|Restricted
£
171,620
-
173,490
-
173,490
(1,870)
(6,798)
(8,668)
26,557
17,889|2024
Total
funds
£
240,505
11,986
224,954
1,988
238,928
1,577
-
1,577
98,965
100,542|2023
Total
funds
£
203,373
6,906
184,258
-
191,164
12,209
-
12,209
86,756
98,965| |---|---|---|---| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 3 ## **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** ## **Balance Sheet** ## **31 March 2024** |Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
6
-
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
7
-
Cash at bank
86,705
86,705
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
8
(4,052)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
82,653
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
82,653
**NET ASSETS**
82,653
**FUNDS**
9
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Restricted
£
-
5,139
65,456
70,595
(52,706)
17,889
17,889
17,889|2024
Total
funds
£
-
5,139
152,161
157,300
(56,758)
100,542
100,542
100,542
82,653
17,889
100,542|2023
Total
funds
£
742
-
101,626
101,626
(3,403)
98,223
98,965
98,965
72,408
26,557
98,965| |---|---|---|---| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: Dec 19, 2024 ## Jacob Warn Jacob Warn (Dec 19, 2024 14:08 GMT+1) ............................................. Mr J Warn - Trustee Thomas snape (Dec 19, 2024 13:07 GMT) ............................................. Mr T Snape - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 4 **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** ## **1. STATUTORY INFORMATION** Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is registered in England. The charity's registered number and registered office can be found in the Reference and Administration Details section of the Report of the Trustees. The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£). ## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. This is the first year that the accounts have been prepared using the accruals accounting method. The comparative figures for 2023 have therefore been restated. This has resulted in an increase to costs in 2023 of £3,031. ## **Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions** The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': - the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows; - the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d); - the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c); - the requirements of paragraphs 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A; - the requirement of paragraph 33.7. ## **Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying mount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. ## **Income** All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Income to cover provision of services is recognised when the service has been delivered. ## **Grants Received (including Government Grants)** Income from Government and other grants is recognised when the charity is entitled to the funds, and any conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amounts can be measured reliably and is not deferred. ## **Donations** Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions, then the income is deferred and not recognised until either the conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of the conditions are wholly within the control of the charity and it continued... Page 5 is probable that those conditions will be met within the reporting period. continued... Page 5 **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** **for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** ## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** ## **Income** ## **Gift Aid** Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise. ## **Expenditure** Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Charitable expenditure is incurred in direct pursuance of the charity's principal objectives and includes staff costs and support costs. Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include general overheads and governance costs. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and carried at cost. Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost, less estimated residual value, of all tangible fixed assets over their expected useful lives. The rates applied are: Computer equipment 33% on straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. ## **Taxation** The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. ## **Foreign currencies** Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result. ## **Hire purchase and leasing commitments** Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. ## **Going concern** The future operation of the charity is dependent on the receipt of grants and donations rom outside sources. Whilst the funding for subsequent years has yet to be confirmed, the trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. continued... Page 6 **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** ## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** ## **Going concern** ## **Financial Instruments** The following assets and liabilities are classified as financial instruments - trade debtors and trade creditors. They are measured at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received. ## **3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. During the year, a total of £2,064 was donated to the charity by trustees. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. ## **4. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** |Unrestricted
fund
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
62,724
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
6,906
**Charitable activities**
Charitable Activities
69,525
**Total**
76,431
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
(13,707)
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
86,115
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
72,408|Restricted
£
140,649
-
114,733
114,733
25,916
641
26,557|Total
funds
£
203,373
6,906
184,258
191,164
12,209
86,756
98,965| |---|---|---| continued... Page 7 **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** **for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** |**5.**|**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S FEES**||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||2024||2023|| |||£||£|| ||Independent examiner's fees|600||750|| ||Accountancy fees|660|||| |**6.**|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**||||| |||||Computer|| |||||equipment|| |||||£|| ||**COST**||||| ||At 1 April 2023|||970|| ||Disposals|||(970)|| ||At 31 March 2024||||-| ||**DEPRECIATION**||||| ||At 1 April 2023|||228|| ||Charge for year|||245|| ||Eliminated on disposal|||(473)|| ||At 31 March 2024||||-| ||**NET BOOK VALUE**||||| ||At 31 March 2024||||-| ||At 31 March 2023|||742|| |**7.**|**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||||| |||2024||2023|| |||£||£|| ||Prepayments and accrued income|5,139|||-| |**8.**|**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||||| |||2024||2023|| |||£||£|| ||Social security and other taxes|2,331||2,053|| ||Accruals and deferred income|54,427||1,350|| |||56,758||3,403|| ||Deferred income represents advance funds received for services which the charity had not delivered|||by the|year| ||end.||||| |||2024|||| ||||£||| ||Charitable Activity Income deferred at year end|52,567|||| ||Deferred income carried forward|52,567|||| continued... Page 8 ## **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** ## **for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** ## **9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** |At 1.4.23
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
72,408
**Restricted funds**
Restricted
26,557
**TOTAL FUNDS**
98,965
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Net
movement
in funds
£
3,447
(1,870)
1,577
Incoming
resources
£
68,885
171,620
240,505
At 1.4.22
£
86,115
641
86,756|Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.24
£
£
6,798
82,653
(6,798)
17,889
-
100,542
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(65,438)
3,447
(173,490)
(1,870)
(238,928)
1,577
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.23
£
£
(13,707)
72,408
25,916
26,557
12,209
98,965| |---|---|---| continued... Page 9 **Refugee Biriyani & Bananas** **for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** ## **9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
62,724
140,649
203,373|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(76,431)
(13,707)
(114,733)
25,916
(191,164)
12,209| |---|---|---| A designated reserve fund is maintained to allow the charity to respond rapidly in emergencies. ## **10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** The Trustees commissioned the services of Global Solidarity Foundation CIC to design, maintain and host a new website for the charity. Jacob Warn (Treasurer) is a director of this CIC. This conflict of interest was recognised and he was not part of the decision-making around this contracting. Page 10 REFUGEE BIRIYANI & BANANAS