**Annual General Meeting of the Council of British Pakistanis (Scotland) on 2nd September 2025 held at 16 Eildon Terrace, Edinburgh - 11am** All the Trustees were to continue in their respective roles but Stood down as Trustee but would continue to attend meetings as an observer. The annual audited accounts for the year ending 31[st] of March 25 were presented and approved. Other than our Immigration work up to level two with the Home Office, our promotional work with HMRC, Financial institutions and the communities, the major work undertaken was CALS project. The meeting agreed the above summary and CALS report be submitted as our work. Creating Allegiance and Love for Scotland Youth Project (CALS) - Pilot 10[th] Oct 24 to 9[th] Sept 25, Confidential ## **1. Executive summary** Our core community is made up of Scottish families of Pakistani origin living in EH postcode areas, spanning three generations: grandparents, parents, and young people. Scottish Youths of Pakistani Origin (SYPO) often face a unique combination of disadvantages: navigating dual identities, overcoming cultural and language barriers, and experiencing discrimination in education, employment, and wider public life. These challenges are frequently overlooked in mainstream service planning, which is why CALS’ community-led approach is vital. Many of our volunteers and participants are themselves SYPO, bringing lived experience and a deep understanding of both the barriers and the opportunities our young people encounter. The CALS Project was launched to address the cultural disconnect and isolation experienced by SYPO aged 15–25, by strengthening cultural identity, promoting community cohesion, and building resilience against radicalisation. Since its launch in October, the project has already made significant progress through cultural heritage workshops, Urdu language classes, cookery sessions, and intergenerational dialogues. - Stronger cultural identity and sense of belonging among SYPO participants. - Improved family communication through Urdu language sessions. - Schools and communities report increased trust and engagement. - Parents have emerged as key enablers of sustained participation. ## **2. Project Implementation and Activities** ## **a) Cultural and Culinary Workshops** - Events Held: 12 sessions. - Attendance: Average of 15 participants per session predominantly females • Activities: hands-on cooking of traditional Pakistani dishes such as Chicken Karahi, Papri Chaat, and Vegetable Pakoras. Cultural quizzes subsequently recreated by youth for their parents. Explored future career interests; including medicine and mechanical engineering and to support their ambition were offered opportunities to connect with Pakistanis professionals in their chosen fields. One parent shared that these cooking sessions did more than teach recipes — they helped her daughter reconnect with her roots: “She has really enjoyed the opportunities it has provided, especially the cooking classes — making dishes like seviyan, chicken karahi, aloo tikkis, and pilau rice.” - Participant Feedback: 85% reported increased cultural awareness and pride. • Social Impact: Sessions encouraged teamwork and independence. Participant requests include covering dishes like samosas, spring rolls, and bhindi ghost, as well as Bollywood dance activities. **Parent Quote:** "M _y daughter takes pride in our food and now shares her skills with me in the kitchen."_ ## **b) Language and Communication Workshops** - Urdu Classes: 8 students per session, increased retention noted. - Impact: 70% of students reported greater self-confidence and motivation to speak Urdu with older relatives. - Challenges: Some irregular attendance due to school or work. - Observations: Boys thrived in group settings; younger students required more hands on support. Parents became more involved as children shared their experiences at home. One youth participant reflected: “ _The language classes have helped me connect with my heritage on a more personal level, allowing me to communicate with older family members and feel more rooted in my identity_ .” ## **c) Intergenerational Dialogue** - Sessions: 3 held with youth and elders. - Themes: Cultural identity, racism • Outcome: 60% of participants reported better mutual understanding and communication across generations. A parent noted that this experience “ _helped bridge the gap that can sometimes form because of language or cultural differences and has strengthened our family bond.”_ **Note:** opportunity to expand content to include gender roles, mental health, and belonging. ## **d) Community Engagement and Outreach** Partnerships: Established with Drummond High School, Broughton High School, Leith Academy and Annandale Community Centre where strong interest and support for the CALS project were evident: ## **Annandale Community Centre** The CALS Youth Project awareness event took place on Thursday, 19 December 2024, at Annandale Community Centre, with around 70 attendees including young people, parents, grandparents, and community leaders. Guests were welcomed with a traditional meal (provided by the centre), and the evening featured speeches from key figures included an introduction to the CBP(S) by its , a detailed project overview by Sumra, and a poetic performance in Urdu by youth worker Shamaila. Attendees then took part in small group discussions to explore the project’s potential and offer feedback. Suggestions from the groups included greater inclusivity through collaboration with other South Asian communities and local institutions, refining the target age group to 12–18, and offering gender-specific activities tailored to boys' and girls’ interests—from sports and gaming to cooking and cultural events. Monthly Urdu film nights and competitions were also proposed to boost engagement. The event closed with each group sharing their feedback, reinforcing a sense of community ownership, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks from Aisha, a community representative on the CALS management committee. Overall, the evening was well-received and highlighted strong support for a project that seeks to empower youth, celebrate cultural heritage, and foster community connection. ## **Leith Academy** - Prior to our initial meeting, Deputy Head Ben had had a meeting with a SYPO in a stressed situation due to family constraints, in particular older brotherly restrictions, and the school planned to contact social services. Ben stated, _“being white” made it difficult to empathise,_ validating the need for this project _._ - A visit made during the 4th Annual Cultural Day on 21st February with a chance to engage with the school community particularly SYPO. Upon speaking to these SYPO it became clear regardless of gender, family restriction prevented attendance to afterschool clubs mainly due to perception of mingling with untoward youth society. SYPO requested CALS volunteers to speak directly to parents may help ease the parental concerns and constraints if the supervising CALS members became known to them especially as will be of same cultural background. It was interesting to note many female SYPO requested segregated sports. - A successful evening was organised for SYPO and their parents where they were asked to bring a dish prepared by themselves. This event allowed the CALS team and the school representative to engage with students and their parents. A safe space clinic was favoured during discussions. ## **Broughton High School** - Current Provisions included collaboration with two local community centres (Pilton/Granton), although the uptake was predominately by white youth. - Deputy agreed, _“this was much needed”_ , and signposted around 10 youth for an initial safe space clinic. This was a success and SYPO although it did not have familial restrictions to after school activity attendance felt the school was hypocritical in its approach and could not speak to approach teachers regarding the hypocrisy for fear of impact on academic future. The children having been able to vent to CALS looked forward to the next session either through appointment with CALS. ## **Drummond High School.** - enthusiasm and was _“happy to embrace”_ our initiative, acknowledging - that any current provision _“would never be enough”_ . She also emphasised the importance of _“understanding the mix of cultures”_ within the community. - invited us to observe the student-led Diversity Fashion Show, which highlighted - approximately 18 different nationalities represented at the school. Following the show, we engaged with SYPO members to introduce them to the CALS project. - expressed interest in joining a meeting with SYPO parents to better understand the - perspectives of those who may be more restrictive. During this discussion, we suggested the possibility of hosting an event in June at Drummond High, bringing together deputy heads from both state and independent schools involved in CALS. This event would facilitate multigenerational discussion between SYPO members and their parents. ## **3. Key Findings and Insights** - Stronger cultural identity and sense of belonging, in this Scottish context among SYPO participants. - Urdu lessons have improved communication within families. - Engagement with local communities has improved trust between SYPO and schools. - • The target age range should shift to 11–18 years. Girls have shown particularly strong interest in Punjabi cooking classes with bitesize Urdu learning. - Youth expressed a desire for a broader range of activities, such as gaming, film nights, and sports. - Boys were keen on sport sessions with bitesize Urdu learning. ## **4. The Role of Parental Involvement** One clear learning has been that **parental inclusion is crucial to youth engagement** . When parents are informed, consulted, or involved, youth show higher and more consistent attendance. - Parents help measure impact by reinforcing learning at home. - Community cooking events and family discussion sessions helped build shared understanding. - Future plans may include: - Parent-student joint events - CALS home visit outreach (by invitation) - Keeping parents updated through group WhatsApp on group progress ## **Parent Quotes:** - Another parent shared, “ _I am really grateful for this project — it has helped my daughter feel proud of who she is and both parts of her identity_ .” - " _As a father, it’s reassuring to see her comfortably embrace her roots whilst navigating_ - _her life in a multicultural setting. CALS has nurtured a gentle sense of belonging and identity that I believe is essential for her growth."_ ## **5. Challenges and Mitigation Strategies** - Low male participation: Plan sessions focused on male interests (tech, sports, gaming, mental health) - Inconsistence attendance: Explore flexible timings, further community partnerships and family liaison - Current funding limitations restricting programme expansion requires application for new flexible grants. ## **6. Ideas for Next Stage** - Monthly heritage and cultural workshops to reinforce cultural identity and belonging through shared experiences and intergenerational learning. - Culinary workshops that bring together families, different age groups, and genders, celebrating both Scottish and Pakistani heritage and promoting acceptance of dual identity, while showcasing inspiring role models from the community. - Weekly sports/activity sessions (including gender-specific options where needed to foster inclusion) followed by safe space clinics where young people can discuss topics such as friendship issues, family pressures, online safety, discrimination, and aspirations. A “bring a friend” approach will make first attendance less intimidating. - Weekly Urdu language lessons, embedded within workshops, to strengthen intergenerational communication. - Female-only sessions, facilitated by trained female youth workers, with mother– daughter workshops to build trust and confidence. - End-of-year strategy and insight events with mainstream and voluntary sector institutions, ensuring our learning benefits the wider community. - Build a mentorship base (peer and adult mentors within community) - Host cultural activities and competitions. All activities to be free, held outside school hours and premises, and located in culturally appropriate, safe, and accessible venues. ## **7. Next Steps and Future Funding** Pilot programme (Dec 2024–present) confirmed high demand. We learned the 11–18 age group is the most engaged, curious, and vulnerable, making them ideal for targeted intervention. The pilot also taught us to adopt a flexible, week-by-week planning model, where youth decide the subsequent week’s topics and activities. The pilot clearly demonstrates the need for more focused work in the above and yet to be identified areas that would be primarily achievable with the 4-year project with proper secured funding. The pilot funding strategy meets the Awards for All funding objectives and the next 4-year project from the 11[th] October 2025 is a logical extension. Funding of CALS (Pilot) by Awards for All is much appreciated for what turns out to be unique piece of work within the Government strategy and it is anticipated that the 4-year full project would be funded appropriately; given that most of the other charitable funders are specific to their area (e.g. Nationwide for housing) and have little or no understanding for provision for work like CALS. ## **8. Conclusion** A strong clue lies in the quote from one youth participant “ _It’s been a powerful journey of selfdiscovery and pride, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to embrace and celebrate my culture in such a meaningful way.”_ And this was echoed by a parent _"CALS has nurtured a gentle sense of belonging and identity that I believe is essential for her growth."_ Finally, the title Creating Affection and Love for Scotland speaks for itself, and the activities set above and future, are a mechanism of achieving this. The prevention of radicalisation is central to these activities and CALS objectives to this end concur wholly with that of our Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, rising out of very tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport. President Council of British Pakistanis (Scotland) COUNCIL OF BRITISH PAKISTANIS No. SC043740 79A BROUGHT TRE EDINBURGH EH13R SCOTIAND NANCIAL A YEA ENDED OUNTS FOR TH 1S RCH2 MACKAY LOUDON & CO NTAN F BRITI H PAKISTANIS SCOTLAND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 CONTENTS Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts MDEpENDE￿ EXAMINEES REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES I report on the account8 of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are Set out on pag88 2 to This rewt is rnwje to ts dwiVs board olljustx as a body. In a¢wd8r￿ with the knns 0fenpwrn￿ My Mxk has been undertaken to lo undertake an indepeThJent examination of ts charvs ac(%xmts on beh81f of the chariivs board of tr￿tee$ and lor no other wrpose. To the fijllest exient pemiitted ty law. I do not accept or assume responsibilty to anyone other than the charity and Ihe boawd of I￿ste88 a8 a body. lor my worf( or for thls Ibilities of tnths and examiner As the charws tntstees you are responsL)le lor the preparatlon of the acmints tn accordance knith the terrrK8 of the Charthes and Trustee Investrnent (S¢otland) Act 2005 and the Charitles Ac(x)unts {Scotland} Regulations 2006. The charity tfustees consider that the audit requirement of regulatlon 10{1) (a) to (c) of Accounts Regulations does not apply. ft is ry responsibility to examine the accthints as required under 8eclK)n 44(1) (c) of the Act and to stste ￿ether parlicular matters have come to my attention. Basis of inde dent My eXamIn8￿On was Carr￿ ¢)ut in accordance ￿th Regulatbn 11 of the Charity Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 21MJ8. An e￿aminatIon indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comp8rison of the accounts presenled with those records. 11 also indudes Ix>nsiderntion of any unusual Ilerns or disdosures in the accounts. and 8eeks eyplanation8 from the trustees concemlng any such matters. The procAdures undertaken do not pr￿￿6 all the evidence that would be requyed in an audil. and ¢￿￿endY I do not expre8s an autht opinion on the view given by th8 accounts. nd endent e miners In the ￿Urse of my examinatw)n. no matter has come to my attenlion: {1) whlch glves me reasonable cause to bekn that in ary material respect the requirements: - to keep accountlng records In accordance wlth section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Art and Regulation 4 of the Accounts Regulations, and . to prepare 8ccount8 which alxord wilh the 8c%ounting and o)mpty Mth Regulation 8 of Ihe 2006 Aca>unts Regulations have not been mèt; or der to enable a proper under8tanding of thè 14th August 2025 COUNCIL OF BRITISH PAKISTANIS (SCOTLAND) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Re8tricted Funds Funds Total Total INCOMING RESOURCES Donations and Grants Gift aid Inte￿9t Recelved (Gross) TOTAL INCOME 13.250 3,351 21,000 34,250 3,351 650 16.601 21,000 37.601 650 RESOURCES EXPENDED Ront and Rat88 Insurance Heat, Llght and Cleanlng Telephone and Webslta Promotion, Stationery and Posts Salarle8 and A880chted Costs Repalr8 8nd Ranewals Committee Expense8 AccounlanGy and Examlnefs Fees TOTAL EXPENDITURE 29 29 253 233 79 26 17,000 102 480 7,750 24,750 102 250 250 250 17,479 25.709 815 NEf INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR Fund Balances brought forward 478 12,770 11,892 -165 1,803 1.803 1,988 FUND BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD 925 13,695 1,803 The not88 on pag88 4a and 4b fomi part of these accounts. OUNCIL OF B BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MAR CURRENT ASSErs Cash at Bank and In Hand 4.453 16.754 4.453 CURREKf LIABILITIES CREDITORS . Arrn)unts Falli Je wlthln One Year 3.059 NET CURREKf ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT UA81LmES 13.695 1,803 FUNDS unrestric￿ Incom• Funds Gener81 Purpo808 Fund 925 1,803 Re8tr1cted Fund8 12,770 13.695 Tha notes on pagos 4a and 4b fwm part of thew Account& Signed on bohdl d the Trustees COUNCIL F BRITISH PAKISTANIS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Ba818 of prnparatlon Ac￿Untr.ng arKI Rewtng by Charities prepartry their acLX)unts in accor(kn with the Firon(ial Rwrttng Standard applicable in UK and Rewbtic of IreI8rKI (FRS 11r2) {effe(*ve 01 Jan￿ry 2019) and the Financial Reporting Stsndard appli(able In ts United IQngd￿n arKI r4wblic of tr*KI (FRS 102). Ihe Charities and Twstee Inveslment Incomlng resources All incoming resources are reLVi8ed ort￿ the ¢*• Ims ￿till*m￿l0 ts res(w*s. it ts wtain that the resow%s Liabilities aTe rec(¥Jnised as resoum exp￿ as soon as Ihwe is a kgal or 0)nsiucti￿ oblwalion (xxnnthng the headings that aggregate all (x)sts related to Ihe category. Charitable eXp￿ilUre is IrK￿rred in threrl pU￿u￿ of the dwws wirKyI otyeds and as set (xrt in the Truste8S' ReporL Accumulated funds obiectsves. Where part of an Unrestri￿ fvnd prqett it may be dwnaled as a separate appty the fvrrfl. Value Added Tax The tharity is not fegistered for VAT trKludes VAT￿ appnwriate. UMMARY OF NEf KSSEfs BY F NDS UNRESTRICTED FUNDS RESTRICTED FUNDS Purposes Fund Tolal Fixed Asséts Net Current Assets 11770 13,695 925 12.770 13.695 OUNCIL OF BRITISH PAKI TANIS SCOTLAND 4b NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS OR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 3. CASH AT BANKAND IN HAND 2025 2024 Bank of Scotland Current Alc Cash in Hand 16,002 752 16.754 3.701 752 4. DONATIONS AND GRANTS Annonymous Unrestricted 650 650 13250 Number of trnstees who were paid expenses Reimbursement of stationery, travel and telephone. Totsl amount paid 6. INDEPENDEKf EXAMINER'S FEES For pwaring accounts For reporting on Same 200 50 200 50 7. CREDITORS Telephone HMRC- PAYE Rent Accountancy and Examinefs fees 72 337 2,400 250 3,059 2,400 250 2.650