## **Sanctuary Breaks**
Hill House Littleworth Amberley Stroud GL5 5AL
## **Charity Number** 1204540
## **Annual Report 2023**
## **Chair’s Report**
It is with great pride and optimism that I present the first Annual Report for Sanctuary Breaks, marking a milestone in what has been a highly rewarding year for our charity. Officially registered with the Charity Commission in August 2023 (Registration No. 1204540), Sanctuary Breaks was founded with the aim of improving the lives of refugees, those seeking asylum, and survivors of torture by offering opportunities for recreation and social connection. Our mission is to create safe, supportive environments where individuals facing significant social challenges can experience moments of respite and joy. This year has been one of growth and transformation. We have made remarkable strides in building partnerships, delivering activities, and establishing a presence in the community. Looking ahead, we remain deeply committed to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
## **Our Mission and Purpose**
Sanctuary Breaks exists to provide or assist in the provision of facilities for the recreation and leisure of individuals who need such services because of their social circumstances. Our work focuses particularly on those who are refugees, seeking asylum, or have been victims of torture. Through our activities, we aim to improve their conditions of life, offering safe, welcoming spaces where they can relax, engage, and build connections with others.
## **Governance**
Our charity is governed by a passionate and dedicated group of six trustees, whose collective expertise has been instrumental in guiding us through our first year. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to:
- **John Patrick Njau**
- **Naomi Millner**
- **Sally Pickering**
- **Judith Large**
- **Julie Keogan**
- **Ramesh Sivarajah**
## **Our Activities in 2023**
In 2023, our key program, _Days Out_ , took centre stage. Through this initiative, we provided people with opportunities to experience the joy and relaxation of simple, nature-based activities, while building a sense of community. We partnered with **Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS)** , forging a strong and supportive relationship that has allowed us to better reach and serve those in need.
Throughout the year, we welcomed **90 visitors** , including **50 new faces** , to our Days Out events. Our guests come from a wide range of countries, including Afghanistan, Colombia, Eritrea, Nigeria, Syria, Venezuela, Russia, and more.
Our activities are designed to foster a sense of belonging and well-being. Visitors took part in a variety of activities including:
- **Home-cooked meals** and shared lunches
- **Village walks** and nature explorations (e.g. blackberrying, taking photos of the local scenery)
- **Kite flying, music making, and singing**
- **Crafts, gardening** , and art activities
- **Tea, cake, and good conversation**
Each day is an opportunity to unwind, connect with others, and share in the joy of simple pleasures. It’s been heartwarming to see how these activities have brought people together and provided an opportunity for relaxation and social engagement.
“We are happy here, to talk, being together” “It feels like home here”
“We forget we are asylum seekers”
Our Days Out days were supported by **12 volunteers** , whose passion and dedication have been vital in making each day a success. From preparing meals to leading activities, our volunteers have been at the heart of what we do, and we are deeply grateful for their involvement.
Therapy Days. GARAS have used Hill House for therapy days for young people, with remarkable results. This will continue.
Away Days. Refugee Support Organisations from Bristol and Gloucester have used the house for away days for staff and residential stays for those they support. This will continue.
Events. In January we held a launch party for Sanctuary Breaks inviting guests, trustees, volunteers and local dignitaries to join us in a celebration and joint visioning exercise. We plan to repeat this event on a regular basis.
We supported the first of a series of culinary community engagement days through ‘A Taste of Home’ and will continue to support these day events.
## **Building Connections**
We launched a new **website** to provide clear, easy access to information about our activities and how people can get involved. In addition, we started a regular **newsletter** for our volunteers, keeping everyone up to date on events, opportunities, and important news.
We found **WhatsApp** to be a highly effective tool for staying connected with our visitors. By sharing updates, reminders, and details about upcoming events, we’ve been able to maintain a strong, supportive relationship with those who attend our activities.
## **Funding and Financial Support**
Donations and grants totalling £10k were secured.
We have applied for £15k of funding and are awaiting outcomes.
Grants will be pivotal in supporting our activities, and will allow us to employ our first member of staff - a new p/t development worker.
## **Looking Ahead**
Reflecting on our achievements this year, we are excited about the future of Sanctuary Breaks.
Our plans include:
expanding our _Days Out_ program to reach more individuals and families enhancing our volunteer network
continuing to build meaningful partnerships within the community and with other organisations supporting our client base.
We aim to increase understanding and connection between local communities and refugees and those seeking asylum through supporting one-off events including ‘A Taste of Home’, Storytelling performances, and Art and Craft events.
## **A Heartfelt Thank You**
I would like to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who has supported Sanctuary Breaks in its first year—our trustees, volunteers, partners, and donors. Your commitment, energy, and belief in our mission have made all of this possible.
**Sarah Hughes** Chair, Sanctuary Breaks
**CE033397**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD 31 AUGUST 2023 TO 31 MARCH 2024**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS Annual Report and Statements of Accounts for the Period Ending 31/03/2024**
|**CONTENTS**|**PAGE**|
|---|---|
|Company information|2 - 3|
|Income Statement|4|
|Balance Sheet|5|
|Detailed Profit and Loss|6 - 7|
**- 1 -**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31/03/2024**
## **Company Information**
## **Directors**
Sarah Hughes John Patrick Njau Naomi Millner Sally Pickering Judith Large Ramesh Sivarajah _Resigned 08/05/2024_ Julie Keogan _Resigned 02/08/2024_
## **Company Number**
CE033397
**Registered Office** Hill House Amberley stroud Glos GL55AL
**- 2 -**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31/03/2024**
## **Company Information**
## **Directors**
The directors who served the company during the period were as follows:
Sarah Hughes John Patrick Njau
Naomi Millner Sally Pickering Judith Large Ramesh Sivarajah Julie Keogan
_Resigned_ 08/05/2024 _Resigned_ 02/08/2024
## **Principal Activity**
To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their social circumstances, in particular those who are refugees, seeking asylum, or have been victims of torture, with the object of improving their conditions of life.
## **Employees**
The Average number of employees, including directors, during the year was as follows:
2024 : 0
## **Small Company Provision**
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board on 15 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Sally Pickering
**- 3 -**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31/03/2024**
**Income Statement**
|Turnover
Other Income
Depreciation and other amounts written off assets
Other Charges
Tax (Payable) / Repayment
**Profit / (loss)**|**2024**
**£**
**10,002**
(
)
-
10,002
-
444
-
**9,558**|**£**
**-**
-
-
-
-
-
**-**|
|---|---|---|
**- 4 -**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31/03/2024**
## **Statement of Financial Position**
|Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
**Net Current Assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
Creditors:
Amounts falling due after one year
**Net Assets**
**Capital and reserves**|9,558
-|**2024**
**£**
-
**9,558**
**9,558**
-
**9,558**
**9,558**|-
-|**£**
-
**-**
**-**
-
**-**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**-**|
For the year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the micro-entity provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and FRS 105, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the Micro-entities regime.
These financial statements were approved by the board and authorised for issue on 15 January 2025
Sally Pickering **Director**
**- 5 -**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31/03/2024**
## **Detailed Profit and Loss**
## _**This page does not form part of the statutory accounts**_
||**2024**||
|---|---|---|
|**Turnover**|**£**|**£**|
|Sales|-|-|
## **Continued next page**
**- 6 -**
**SANCTUARY BREAKS Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31/03/2024**
## **Detailed Profit and Loss continued**
## _**This page does not form part of the statutory accounts**_
|**Administrative Expenses**
**Other expenses**
Bank Charges
Other expenses
**Other Income**
Other Income
Interest Income
**Operating Profit**
**Profit / (Loss) on ordinary activity before**
**Taxation**
**Taxation**
(Payment) / Repayment
**Net Profit / (loss)**
**Net Profit / (loss)**|**2024**
**£**
(
)
(
)
(444)
10,002
**9,558**
-
**9,558**
10
434
10,000
2|**£**
-
-
**-**
-
**-**
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|
**- 7 -**