Starling Collective Report of the Trustees st For tbe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and Activities Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document The purposes of the Charity are: l. Through our work we will empower, support, and involve people principally but not exclusively from the asylum seeker/ refugee community. Liaising and collaborating with a range of organisations and groups to work toward5 the best outcomes for our participants through a wide range of community support and development programs, which will be flexible, with the ability to change depending on need. The direct benefits which flow from purpose l are improved equality of service provision, and improved health and wellbeing. 2. We will ensure that our work is driven by the participants with whom we work, in order to research, plan, and implement the services they need and desire. The direct benefits which flow from purpose 2 are increased pa rticipation, representation and belonging. 3. We will provide a safe space for those who are marginalised by society; principally but not exclusively from the asylum seeker/ refugee community. A safe space of welcome, patience, compassion, understanding, and willingness to learn from and develop each other mutually. A space which honours and celebrates diversity of culture and heritage. The direct benefits which flow from purpose 3 are increased integration, sense of Security, and improved wellbeing. 4. We will recognise the many ski115 and talents that our participants hold and encourage the practice and development of these skills. This is in order not only to help participants integrate into society, but to thrive. The direct benefits which flow from purpose 4 are improved resilience, wellbeing, and empowerment. 5. We will work to advance the education of the public in general about the issues facing those who are on the edges of society, whilst supporting participants to work together to advocate and campaign on social justice and human rights issues that directly affect them and their communities. Starling Collective supports and empowers refugees and asylum seekers (but not exclusively). The direct benefits which flow from purpose 5 are being actively involved and believe they can influence what happens in their community, improved self-esteem and wellbeing. For purpose 1, 2, 3 and 4 these benefits are evidenced through feedback and Surveys from participants, reports and eva luation of our services. For purpose 5 these benefits are also evidenced through awareness raising through social media, website, talks, report5 and evaluation of our services. Summary of the main artivities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activlties, projects or services identified in the accounts. Destitution projects for males and females Trauma informed mental health project with lead partner Corrymeela Community Support, advice and advocacy service which works with the refugee /asylum community and builds capacity for volunteers to develop skills enabling them to support their own community. Starling Collective supports an(J empowers refugees and asylum seekers (but not exclusively). We have a steering group of asylum seekers and refugees who helps decide, design, and deliver the services that we provide. The work is
Starling Collective Report of tbe Trustees continued For the Year Ended 31" March 2024 volunteer, and community based, offering sUPPOrt, advice and opportunity through services including: a holistic person- centred advice and support service for refugees and asylum seekers that is delivered by volunteers Wlth lived experience, help with accessing volunteering, education, training and employment, welfare support, trauma and mental health support. Accommodation, financial, practical, and emotional support for destitute people from the refugee and asylum community. Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commlssion on publlc benefit The charity trustees have read and understood the statutory guidance on public benefit. Contributlon made by volunteers Over the period 39 volunteers have been involved with the work of Starling Collective. Volunteers have been provided with on-the-job tra ining in e.g. administrative skills, advice and advocacy skills, gardening, interpretation and organising events. They have also attended training courses including Safeguarding, Mental health resilience, Trauma Informed Approach, and Legal support for domestic violence. Volunteers have contributed interpretation, advocating for people seeking asylum and those granted refuge, They have invited and encouraged people to access mental health support, worked with destitute asylum seekers, and given crisis support to people struggling, researched, and maintained our IT system. They have also supported background work for the project such as form filling, expenses, receipt5, keeping records on progress with each case etc. Through the input of our Steering Group during the formation of Starling Collective, we were advised of the need within the community for improved acces5 to training, education, volunteering and employment opportunities. By offering the opportunity to volunteer and train with Starling Collective, we have continued to addre55 that need. The volunteers then worked with community members in regard to: Accessing English classes Researching and applying for funding for college/university Applying for funding for education sUPPOrt and resources Referring to Volunteer Now and other volunteer related organisations for volunteer opportunities Job searches Accessing courses and funding for courses Registering people with employment and training agencies Helping people write /update Cvs Accessing programmes and services offered by external agencies Volunteer". Administration volunteers e.g., correspondence/organising systems/ data inputlresearch. Women's Group Computer/database volunteers e.g.. transferring data to new database, Gardening and maintenance volunteers e.g., planting. painting, weeding, harvesting, tidying etc. Social media volunteer Research and support for legal case5 Organising and implementing trips and events Starling Collective Board of Trustees
Starling Collective Report of tbe Trustees continued For the Year Ended 31" March 2024 Volunteer IT Consultant Steering Group Committee Achievements and Performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity's work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. Main achievements of the charity in this period: Ga ined charity status. Supported 70 people living with destitution, ranging from one-off support to regular or ongoing accommodation and/or financia5 support. We also developed strong partnerships with CFC Church and Hosford House expanding destitution project and securing a property for accommodating people accessing the starling Collective destitution service. Maintained a strong partnership with Corrymeela Community for our ground-breaking Trauma Informed Support Programme for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. In the Trauma Informed Support Programme for Refugees and Asylum Seekers we continued to provide trips and events for the refugee and asylum community and to manage a cohort of six Service Delivery Partners. During this period, our partnership provided mental health support services to 1,781 beneficiaries Benefitted more than 313 people through our support, advice, and advocacy programme. Involved/ trained/mentored 39 volunteers to support various areas of our work throughout the charity. Financial Review The results for the year 202312024 are set out on page 8 to 14 and the trustees consider these results to be satisfactory. Starling Collectibves total incoming resources for the year were £111,7801 of which £98,103 is restricted income). Net movement of funds for the year amounted to an decrease of £65,834. Total funds carried forward as set out on page 9 are £20,303 (Restricted - £4,007) and l Unrestricted - £16,296) Starling Collective would Ilke to thank our funders, without whom we could not provide services CFNI National Lottery Halifax Society of the Holy Child Jesus DOH Department of Health Oak Foundation Comic Relief Ireland Fund5 Awards for All Christian Fellowship Church
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