OJ THE DEPOT- SUPPORTING REGUGEES IN DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY (SCIO) UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 28" FEBRUARY 2025 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER:. SC046366 CARSON & TROTTER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 123 IRISH STREET DUMFRIES DG12PE
The De ot-su ortln Refu ees In Dumfries & Gallowa scIo Chari information Scottish Charity Number SC046366 Independent Examiner Carson & Trotter Chartered Accountants 123 Irish Street Dumfries DGI 2PE
The De ot-su ortin Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowa scio Contents Page Trustees, report Independent examinerfs report 13 Receipts and payments account 14 Statement of balances 15 Notes to the accounts 16-19
Th6 F)6POt pptsrtihfj fvfMg66S 111 Fumfri6s &AIIowA4 Trustees, Report For the year ended 28th February 2025 Scottish Charity Number SC046366 Structure overnanc mana ement: For the duration of the March23 to Feb 24 Financial year we were known as Massive Outpouring of Love (MOOL) We have obtalned permisslon to change thls name and updated Objects wlth The Scottlsh Charity Regulator (OSCR) We are a single tler charity and our SCIO reglstration number remains SC046366 With effect from 1 St March we have a new name The Depot- Supporting Refugees in Dumfries and Galloway also known as The Depot
Th6 P6po+ Smpportifj Trfv966S IYI PMmfri6s a4 &alt&Wa4 The Board of Trustees: The trustees who have served during this Financlal Year were as follows: ointment and Recruitment o Trustees: The board may at any time appoint any person to be a charity trustee by way of a resolutson passed by majority vote at a board meeting. Staff: We have 3 part time members of staff: Operations Manager, Volunteer Coordinator and Depot Manager This team has been crucial in enabling speedy, effective and consistent responses to changing demand in The Depot, managing volunteers as well as developing new relationships with other local and national organisations that work with Refugees. Volunteers: None of this would have been possible without the wonderful efftjrts of our loyal and hardworking volunteer group. They do this in a wide variety of ways- from being there when our new arrivals come to see us usually every Friday, organising and helping out at events, as well as helping to spread positive messages about those people coming into our area.
Th6 F)6POt Supporti9 Trfv96GS 111 PHMfri6S And &AIItswa4 Back round: We are a community-led charity, founded in September 2015. Initially set up and (then known as MOOL) to support arriving Syrian families, we then organised and sent donations for displaced populations overseas. Since then we have welcomed many Ukrainian refugees, set up homes for Afghan families and provided earty welcome and ongoing support to a steady stream ofAsylum Seekers who are placed in our region. We secured SCIO status in February 2016 and our rent name change to The Depot reflects a space that organises a wide range of initiatives, in and beyond the building, we always provide a warm welcome and safe place for all people who have been forced to flee their homes and arrive in Dumfries & Galloway. rian and Af han Refu ees: Since our early response to Dumfries and Galloway initiative to house and integrate Syrian Refugees into the community in 2015, we have also helped to settle a number of Afghan families. We still are in contact with them and they are a significant part of our Depot community. We've been delighted to leam that some Syrians are now achieving British Citizenship. Ukralnlan Welcome ndsu We have provided varied and significant support to Ukrainian refugees who were initially placed in hotels, temporary housing and with host families since earty 2022. We worked in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway's resettlement board and during the last financial year we have helped the Council progress plans to move Ukrainian families into more permanent arrangements by organising transport for removals and sourcing household items such as curtains, bedding and kitchen equipment. As lum seekers: Asylum Seekers, mainty young men who have been arriving since late 2023. They have been placed in a local hotel at very short notice. Some had just arrived by boat while others had been moving around Europe for a number of years. They are from a wide range of countries, induding Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen. The last year has been very busy as numbers fluctuate due to some being moved to other locations in the UK and others arriving - often with less than 24 hours notice.
Th6 Tr6po+ SP>OrtI)fj R6fi4966S i VMMfri6S Ad &allowdy Achievements and Perfomian¢e by our Purposes: 1. To prevent and relieve poverty by collecting, sorting and dlstributlng donations in response to need for ald In Dumfries and Galloway and overseas Help for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Dumfries and Galloway- We request, receive and sort donations which are available to anyone who comes into our depot. Sometimes we put out a special call for items (such as baby equipment or household items) when there is a need. We are always seeking appropriate clothing and old phones for our asylum seekers. Help for Ukrainians in Ukraine- Our depot manager is Ukraintan and as well as working at our Depot, she also volunteers with a Charity in Ukraine which is about 30km from the Russian border. We are helping by providing a base so that volunteers can sort and send donations of clothing and medicineslbandages. We try to send about 100Kil0110-15 bags) every couple of months. We've also sent out bicydes for children in Ukraine as well as musical instruments. This team are quite resourceful! At the end of last year, the team filled a mini bus which a volunteer driver delivered and left in Ukraine. This is a great way to get donations out, since it also provides vehides that can be used to evacuate people out of harm's way. The team are in to do more deliveries like this. A shipment reaching those in need in Ukraine
Th6 P6po+ SPpOrtI9 P6fv966s I PMMfri6S A4 C/allowa4 2. To advance citizenship and community Integration through the provlslon of ald. support and infomiation to Asylum Seekers, Refugees and New Scots In Dumfries and Galloway The Depot is a Pla where everyone can meet, share food, receive welcome packs, access donations of clothes, bicycles and requested essentials. We also organise and fund events and activities to promote social contsct and encourage language skills for all. We organise a wide range of weekly events such as: Bus excursions, days out and wellbeing events Mix and Mingle events, designed to be an informal chance to chat and try out something new English basic and improvement sessions. Shared Food events and festivals Bus Excurston to Glasgow Local Day out Mix and Mingle African Drumming Asylum Seekers: We generally get very short notice of new arrivals to enable us to prepare so that when they arrive - we provide welcome packs with some basic essentials i.e. new underwear, notebook and pen and toiletries etc. tell them what we do here, and help them find their way around
Th6 P6POt Sidpportlfj TrfMfjGGS itrI P4mfri6S And fialltswa¥ we also provide SIM cards and check if support is needed for phone repair1replament. Phones are an essential tool to keep in touch with family and legal contscts. Agenerous anonymous donation meant we could repair or provide useable phones to more than 100 newcomers. Refugees." Friendly Faces program where volunteers provide one to one support to Ukrainians and Afghan families. Houses to homes- Set up to prepare homes as Afghan families arrive. Also supporting Ukrainians moving out of the hubs to more pemianent homes 3. To advance educatlon through establishing learnlng and infomiatlon events and programmes which engage, educate and develop the personal skills and knowledge of our service users and members of the local community. The depot hosts:. English Language and conversation sessions Information and orientation sessions to help our new Scots understand more about the way we do things in the UK and Localty. Information sessions, cultural awareness and wellbeing events provided by extemal organisations induding Refugee Council and 3rd Sector.
Th6 Tr6po+ Sdpportin9P6fv96es I VHmfri6S A¥Jd &411DWA4 4. To provlde recreational activltles through organislng, facllltstlng and delivering opportunities and events for the improvement and promotion of community, wellbeing and mental and physical health Gym membershlp is very popular and this has been made possible with significant financial help from our local TUC and by regular donations from individuals. We have allocated over 90 memberships. The Bike Pmject, in collaboration with other local cycling organisations, works to provide cycling trips and to help fix and maintain them. We have gifted more than 170 refurbished bikes to Asylum Seekers, Ukrainian and Afghan Families as well as some homeless and other people in need. This is also led to some great days out and a weekend adventure. This has been made possible by fvnding from council and private sector as well as regular individual donations. Oryanised events such as trips to Edinburgh and Glasgow continue to be made possible by grants frorn the Arts Other sports and outdoor activities including foraging event are always popular MIX and Mingle events provide many different activities and experiences - for example to learn a new craft or skill and are also designed to be an informal chance to chat and ty out something new. Bike dellvery and outside workshop
Th6 P6POt 5PPortI9 P6fMg66S ill VMvnfri6s aa &allowa4 orage an 00 Arts ay in Glasgow 5.To promote equality. diversity and religious and racial hannony by hosting cultural, educational and special events aimed at encouraging Integration, building cultural knowledge and respect and infomiing our local communlties Refugee Week- we hired a local shop front to set up an installation of creative work, artwork and writings by our refugees and asylum seekers. We were able to welcome the public and encourage them to engage with the impact of what it means to have to leave home and what it means to be in our region. We always welcome invitstions to join local organisations, schools and clubs to give talks, support cultural events and provide education materials. Last year we participated in Refugee Week and Youthbeatz music festival.
Th6 Tr6POt Supptsrtilg RGfMg66S ill PM¥hfriGS And &allDwA4 Refugee Week 'rise' Exhlbftlon writlngs & thoughts of refugees and asylum seekers in Dumfries and Syrian refugees visiting a local school to talk about what it Is Ilke to be a refugee and introducing them to Syrian food. 6.To advance human rlghts by developing advocacy, building supportive. proactlve relationships wlth other organisations and working in partnerships to maximise effectlve assistance. Sadly we have seen increasing racist and anti-migrant rhetoric, including negative targeting of asylum seekers. In the last year we have accepted invitstions to speak at Anti Racism events and to counter anti refugelmigration protests. Our principal concem is to raise awareness about unfair and racist treatment to displaced groups wherever they are. We currentty share infonnation generated by other refugee groups and organisations and have forged links with other local, national and intemational groups who we feel we have some affinity with.
Th6 Pepot s?Port1 f66s i PdyhfriGs and &Allowa4 Financlal Review: Please refer to our accounts for 202412025 submitted with this report As well as donating goods, we receive regular financial donations from individuals to support Gym, Cyding and Phone provision Dumfries and Galloway Council rety on us to deliver welcome and orientstion activities. Overhead costs are apportioned as appropriate. Statement of the charity's pollcy on reserves - Our policy ststes that we should keep sufficient unreserved fvnds to cover at least 3 months wages and rent. Including a £20,000 fvnd for Friendly Faces programmes Details of any deficit- There have been no deficits. Donated facilities and services - None Future Plans: The way we use our space has changed and we expect to continue to adapt to changing needs. We have known for some time that there will be decreased Council fvnding because the Government views there is decreased need i.e. Syrians - most now regarded as settled Afghans- not arriving in the numbers originally envisaged (this may change) Ukrainians- most are regarded as settled or about to be Asylum Seekers are not funded. In the past they have been able to take up spare places on language courses. However, as this is reduced, there will be a reduction in opportunities for Asylum Seekers. We will be assessing where other provision for Education might be available. We are also aware of changes in the political climate and we will continue to assess and manage any impact to individuals who are affected by the following: Recent announcement that claims for Asylum from Syrians that have been paused 10
Th6 E)6po+ s¢4PPortifj TrfM966S 111 PMYnfri6s aid &AIIowA4 Future of extensions to Leave to Remain for Ukrainians Further measures that are detrimental to the lives and hopes of Refvgees and Asylum Seekers as they are announced by Govemment. Our Operations Manager is seeking out and applying for funding from private sector and other sources to ensure we have funding for our staff and our key projects. As long as current funding allows and continues - we expect to continue to: Provide a safe environment where those seeking Asylum and Refvgees can access- A place to meet over food and drinks English Language reading and conversation Friendly advice and guidance Appropriate sorted donations and essentials, Other wellbeing activities such as Mix and Mingle, Music sessions etc Support Gym membership Deliver bikes through The Bike Project and associated activities and adventures Organise events such as trips to Edinburgh and Glasgow and sports and other outdoor activities Deliver Friendly Faces although this is likely to evolve to provide more group events Provide a base to enable donations to be sent to Ukraine Support phone repairlreplacement when funding allows. We also need to do more to raise our new profile including: Online Presence: We have been working to overhaul our online presence (i.e. website, Facebook and Instsgram) to ensure everyone is aware of our new name, we expect to continue to raise our profile and become more accessible and informative. A launch paty to include invitations to the wide community of regular and potential partners and funders Refresh merchandise and brand identity 11
Th6 Tr6POt SdpportlmgTrCf8CSS i PAmfri6s and &allowa4 Declaration Desi nation Chair Date 14th May 2025 12
The De ot-su ortiD Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowa scIo Inde endent Examlner'$ Re ort to the Trustees of ot-su ortln Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowa The De scio I report on the accounts of the charity for th¢ year ended 28th February 2025 which are atLqched as part of this document. Respective responslbilities of management commlttee and examiner The charitys trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the tern]s of the Charities and Tnlee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Thc trustees onsider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(I){d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under Section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters hav¢ come to my attention. Basis of the Independent examiner's statement My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation I l of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audiL and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention a. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a} of the 2005 Act and regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or b. to wkn"ch, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Messrs Car50n & Trotter Chartered Accountants 123 Irish Street Dumfries DGI 2PE Date: 27th June 2025 Page 13
The De ot-su ortin Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowa scio Recel for the ts and Pa ments Account ear ended 28th Februa 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total funds Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Note5 Recei Donations Fundraising income Grants 13,485 6,488 19,973 12,193 192 76,425 12,399 76,425 Total receipts 13,485 82,913 96,398 24,784 ments Charitable activities Charitable activities Purchases Purchase of bikes Basic Needs goods Purchase of mobile phones Gym memberships Depot costs TraTrsport costs Advertising/promotional Donation charges Other professional services Wages and salaries Staff expenses Staff training Rent Venue hire Travel and acomodation General expenses 933 460 954 1,009 5,337 2,599 6,628 5,408 1,361 1,887 1,469 5,337 2,599 6,628 5,408 1,697 1,993 812 42 841 26,971 185 601 3,254 10,525 336 1,993 489 323 39 437 20,648 185 601 620 404 6,323 731 19,962 25 2,634 4,204 105 729 2,765 15 1,795 2,563 1,537 2,578 3,332 15,385 50,249 65,634 39,055 Governance costs Independent examinels fees 150 252 402 342 Total expenditure 15,535 50,501 66,036 39,397 Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds (2,050) (33) 32,412 33 30J62 (14,613) Net movement in funds (2,083} 32,445 30J62 (14,613) Reeonciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 18,391 9,452 27,843 42,456 Total funds carried forw'ard 16,308 41,897 58,205 27,843 All income and expenditure derived from continuing activities. The notes on page 16 to 19 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14
The De ot-su ortin Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowo scio Staternent of Balances as at 28th Februar 2025 2025 2024 Bank and cash Opening balance Sury)lus / (deficit) for the year 27,843 30J62 42,456 (14,613) Closing balance 58,205 27,843 Reserves Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 16,308 41,897 18,391 9,452 Total funds 58,205 27,843 The Charity has no other investments, assets or material liabilities. Approved by the Trustees on 14th May 2025 and signed on tbeir behalf by: Page 15
The De ot-su ortin Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowa Notes to the financial statements for the ear ended 28th Februa 2025 Accounting policies Basis of preparation These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). Grants 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 Total funds D & G Council The Wood Foundation Dumfn'es High School Scottish Governrnent The Mears Foundation ANCBC D & G Council- NSF Scottish Refugees Faith in Community CMHW Loreburn CC Galloway & South Climate Hub BOS Foundation 39,675 39,675 4,000 2,750 250 3,563 1,836 10,000 10,000 4,000 4,000 750 750 500 500 10,000 10,000 500 500 1,000 1,000 i 0,000 10,000 76,425 76,425 12,399 All of the income from grants in 2024 was restricted. Page 16
The De ot-su ortin Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallom'a scIo Notes to the financial statements for the ear ended 28th Februar 2025 Statement of funds Balance at 29th February 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 28th February 2025 Restricted funds: DG Council Research Ukranian SupportriendlY Faces Welcome Hubs Mears Foundation D & G Summer Activities 2,137 945 1,755 792 2,000 1,823 (2,121) (14,699) (1,754) (692) (2,282) (1,806) (560) (2,599) (985) (6,357) (1.644) (500) (5,408) (6.628) (66) (201) (639) (292) (518) (750) (16) 25,000 11,246 (i) 250 32 17 9,440 401 9,015 1,318 8,356 ANCBC Basic Needs CMHW Fund Bike fund Enable grant Faith in community Gym memberships Mobile devices NSAF Fruity Friday NSAF Info sessions NSAFM&M NSAF Trips NSAF UKR Party Scottish Refugee Council 10,000 3,000 i 0,000 7,675 10,000 500 5,738 7,000 500 500 1.000 500 500 750 330 372 434 299 361 208 18 9,452 82,913 (50,501) 33 41,897 Unrestricted funds: Unrestricted general funds 18.391 13,485 (15,535) (33) 16,308 Total funds 27,843 96,398 (66,036) 58,205 The unrestricted general funds represent the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. DG Council Research Funding was received from Dumfries and Galloway Council to conduct research into the degree of integration of the 20 Syrian families who have come into Dumfries and Galloway over the past 4 years. This fund is now closed. Welcome Hubs Grant from Dumfries and Galloway Council for work and materials to welcome Ukrainian refugees. This fund is now closed. Ukrainian Support UK / Friendly Faees Further grant from Dumfries and Galloway Council for work and materials to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Page 17
The De ot-su ortin Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowai, scIo Notes to the financial statements for the ear ended 28th Februar 2025 Mears Foundation Grant to support outdoor volunteering for asylum seekers based at Mercure Hotel. D & G Summer Activities - Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund Grant for summer aclivities and trips for asylum seekers based at Mercure Hotel. This fund is now closed. Youth Philanthropy Initiative - School Grants Competition Restricted fund for donations overseas. ANCBC Restricted grant to extend the opening hours of The Depot. Baslc Needs Restricted fund to support the basic needs of those claiming asylum at the Mercure Hotel. CMHW Fund Restricted grant to support activities for New Scots within The Depol. Bike Fund Restricted Fund to support the provision of bikes to New Scots. Enable Grant Restricted grant to support our volunteers. Faith in Community Grant for support for provision of bikes. Gym Memberships Fund for subsidised gym memberships. Mobile Devices Restricted fund to support the IT needs of those claiming asylum at the Mercure Hotel. NSAF Fruity Friday Restricted grant to provide healthy snacks at The Depot. NSAF Info Sessions Restricted grant to provide inforn]ation sessions for New Scots. NSAFM&M Restricted grant for provision of Mix and Mingle Activities at The Depot. NSAF Trips Restricted grant for provision of trips for New Scots. NSAF UKR Party Restricted grant for provision of volunteer celebration party. Scottish Refugee Council Grant for refugee week exhibition. Page 18
The De ot-su ortino Refu ees in Dumfries & Gallowa ' scio Notes to the financial statements for the ear ended 28th Februar 2025 Transfers between funds Funds are transferred from restricted funds to unrestricted funds where the project has ended and the funders have agreed that any sU]uS funds can be used for general funds. Where a restricted fund has had an overspend, funds are transferred from unrestricted funds to clear this. Page 19