Buols ajid Beard Recei bor'fhe Yexr F.nded ts and Pa 'ments Account 31-Mar-25 Chari No: SC047737 redb Argylc . x¢countants
Boots And Beards 'I'rustees' Annual Re R¢cei ts and Pavmcnts Accoiint ort and Tr"or'l"lie Year End¢d 31-Mar-25 Scottish Charity Numbcr SC047737 Current trustees Conta¢t address R¢cruitn)eiit and appoiiilnici)l of Truslccs All of tl)e trustees are appointed and relippoint in accorda¢ lo the rules laid down in the Boots and BLMrds constitulion. Governing docum¢Trt ljools and IILards is a cliaritablL incorp()r)ted associalion and the PU4x)ses and administration arrangemei)ts are set out in its constilulion. ChritAl}le purpo¥es I)urpLisLs. as rLcc)rdcd in Ihc consttruiion. are to improvc their healtl), widLiiingF <iccess lo ihL nalunl ¢ni'ironJiient & llclpiiig crcale a belter lilc for presciit and fulurc g*¢nerations.
Boots and Beards Trustees Report For the year ended 31 March 2025 Who We Are Our Mission Boots and Beards believe in uniting and motivatingF individuals to lead an active healthy lifestyle. Our Vision To create a better world for present and future generations. Our Purpose Boots and Beards work with communities to improve the health and wcllbeing of individuals. Introduction This report presents Boots & Beards, activity and impact for thc financial year cnding 31 March 2025. Our focus throug>hout the year has been to removc barricrs to wellbeing for cthnic minority communities by creatingl culturally seiisitivc, accessible and inclusiv¢ opportunitics to connect with nature, movement and each oihLr. The work we deliver is only possible because of the dedication of our trustees, staff, volunteers, partners and funders whose support allows us to provide activities that arc 7enuinely needed and valued within our community. Our approach is rooted in a clcar undcrstanding of the challeiiges faced by South Asian and other Ininority communities who experience multiple and intLrsccting barricrs to physical, Inental and social wellbeing. These include cultural stigma around Inental health, social isolation particularly amongv women, carers and older adults, langyuagye barriers, lack of confidence and limited access to green spaces or mainstream s¢rvices. Many of the people we support have never taken part in outdoor activities or structurcd sport bcfore, often due to modesty concerns, prioritisingy family responsibilities or simply not fecling7 welcome or repr¢sented in traditional settings. These realities drive our commitment to creating safe, supportive and culturally appropriate spaces whcre people can take thcir first steps toward physical activity, wellbeingF and community connection. The past year has shown that with thL right support, cncouragement and environment, people who once felt excluded from the outdoors can thrive in it. l. Delivery Over the Last 12 Months (l April 2024- 31 March 2025) Summary of Aetivity in Relation to the Work Plan Over the last year, the Equality for the Outdoors project has delivered a wide and diverse programme of activities that have increased participation in sport and the outdoors ainong ethnic minority communities across Glasgow. The last 12 months reflect strong delivery, steady growth and clear evidence of increasing confidence, wellbeing and community connection. We exceeded s¢veral targets, particularly around women's participation, badminton engagement and progression from tasler sessions into longer-tenn involvement.
Our focus has remained on breaking down cultural, social and Practical barriers so that people who have never accessed the outdoors or sport before can take part safely and confidently. Walking Programmes Walking continues to be the backbone of our outdoor delivery. Across the year we ran Bonnie Boots women-only walks, Walk and Chai gentle walks, mixed walks, family walks, local weekly walks and hillwalking sessions. Between April and September alc)ne. we delivered 10 Bonnie Boots hill walks with 91 women, ¢ight Walk and Chai walks for 70 women, Cight family walks with 55 participants, 15 local weekly walks with l 00 participants and nine Munro hikes with 28 participants. Across the October to March period, we continued regular weekly women's walks, mixed walks, evening walks and weekend hikes in local parks and green spaces. Many women begFan having never walked beyond their local shop and now walk weekly. Mindfulness, yentle stretching and reflective aLtivities were added to increase wellbeing benefits. Our Munro hikes remained a higlilight throughout the year. Several participants completed their first-ever mountain. supported by transport. kit and experienced guides. The sense of achievement was consistcntly described as lifc changing. Thcsc walking progyrammes playcd a vital role in reducing isolation, supporting mental wellbeing, improving physical activity and building confidence particularly for women, older participants and complete begTinners. Taster Sessions Across the full year we delivered taster sessions in hillwalking, beginner walking, badminton, basketball, cyclingF and creative c)utdoor workshops. These sessions focused on people with no prior experience of sport or the outdoors, offering a safe introduction with no pressure or commitment. Many participants progressed from tasters into block sessions, weekly walks or regular badminton. This clearly demonstrates that taster sessions continue to be one of our strongest engyagiement tools for breaking dc)wn fear, lack of confidence. modesty concerns and cultural barriers. Badminton Programme Badminton has grown into one of our most successful and high-demand programmes. Between April and September, w'e delivered men's badminton with 28 sessions and 532 attendances, women's badminton with 21 sessions and 588 attendances and junior badminton with 20 sessions. The women's and junior sessions have seen exceptional growth. The Junior Club received official affiliation with Scottish Badminton in July 2024, marking a major milestone.
Throughout the October to March period, Ive continued delivering weekly sessions for men, women and young people. We expanded coaching opportunities for regular participants, with support from Badminton Scotland, enabling community members to gain introductory coaching qualifications. Trained participants are now helping lead warn]-ups and supporting new players. This marks real progress in building a sustainable, community-led model. Duke of Edinburgh Award We continued our work as the first BME-led organisation in Scotland to hold a Duke of Edinburgh licence. Throughout the year we delivered outdoor sessions, indoor sessions and an online session for 28 young people completing their Bron/.e level. Young people developed teamwork, resilience, navigation skills and outdoor cooking confid¢nce. Many experienced camping and expeditions for ihe first time. The DotE programme continucs to give young people a sense of purpose. structure and achievement. Minibus Provision During this financial year, Boots & Beards secured part funding for two nine-seater minibuses. We decided to invest in two smaller minibuses to ensure we had newer vehicles that could safely accommodate our participants. This approach has worked particularly well, allowing us to run more activities simultaneously and suppon smaller groups who may not require a largier vehicle. The minibuses have incrcased flexibility in our delivery, improved accessibility for participants, and contributed to the smooth running of outdoor activitics, trips and community programmes. Training and Skills Development TrainingF remained central to our work plan. Over the year wc delivered first aid, outdoor leadership, mountain leader training, safeguarding, social media training and autism awareness. This supported staff, volunteers and community niembers to gain confidencc and skRlls to take on more responsibility. It also strengthens our Ic)ng-tcrn] goal of creatiiig pc¢r leaders from within the community. Collaborations and Partnerships We strengthened relationships across the sector. A major development this year was our partnership with Glasgow Clyde College to support unaccompanied minors. These young people participated in taster sessions, badminton, local hikes and even tried cycling) at the velodrome through Glasgow Life. Partnerships with Adidas Terrex, Tiso and Badminton Scotland continued to support kit access, coaching and wider outreach. These collaborations improve the quality and sustainability of our programmes. Outdoors Against Racism Our national Outdoors Against Racism campaign continued to run throughout the year. Anti- racism conversations were integrated into walks, training sessions and taster sessions. We
also contribut¢d to sector-wide discussions around inclusion and representation, reinforcing our commitment to making the outdoors a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Community Hub and Organisational Groilth Oiir community hub continued to grow as a multipurpose space for networking, volunteering, hotdesking7 and equipment bo01ving. We also expanded our team, welcomingy a Social Media Officcr on a 26-week plaLement and a new Development and Outreach Officer, which improved our outreach capacity. Boots and Beards have been recognised locally with multiple community award nominations, reflecting our strong reputation and impact. Mehfooz Project During this financial year. Boots & Beards also delivered the Mehfooz project, funded to support women from ethnic min()rity communities. Mchfooz has crcated a safe, culturally sensitive space for women to access wellbeing activities, build confidence and connect with peers. Througjh re&yular sessions includin& group walks, mindfulness, fitness activities, arts ,Ind Lratls and social mcetups, w(Imen who previously faced isolation due to family re.sp()n8ibilities or cultural cxpectations have bccn able to prioritisc their own health and wcllbcing. ThL arts and crafts scssions were particul<irly popular, gFiving woinen the pportunity to forgyet their stressful lives and fecl as if they were kids agiain. Many participants rcported feelingy more confidcnt to try new activities and take time for themselves. One participant shared, "I never thought I could go for a walk on my own, now I look fonvard to every session." Another said, "Mehfooz has given me friends and confidence I never iinagJinLd I could have." The project has been particularly effective in helpinby women overcome barriers to participatiOTI, creating a lasting sense of empowennent and wellbeing. The Carers Project Our Carers Project, has supportecl both carers and those they care for. providing opportunities to access outdoor activities, crealive workshops, and holistic wellbeing sessions. The project has helped carers take a break fr()m their caring? role, reduce stress, and improve mental health, while the cared-for participants benefit from cngaging and meaningful experiences. Participants have described a keLn scnsc of community and mutual support. One carer said, 'For thc first time in months I felt I could just be Ine and not my caringy role." Another sliared, "The naturc walks with tlie gFroup have made such a diffcrence to iny mood and my onfidence., By offeringi structui"ed, culturally appropriate opportunities, the project has improved wellbeing, reduced isolation and strengFthened relationships between carers and thosc they care for. Great Scottish Run During the Great Scottish Run. Boots & Beards supported sixty-one participants aged 3 to 54, many of whom had never considered taking part in a running event b¢fore. Glasgow Life asked us to encourage greater paiticipation from ethnic minority communities, a group that is typically underrepresented in such events. To prepare participants, we organised two training sessions, offering guidance, support, and a chance to build confidence in a fn'endly environm¢nt.
This initiative removed financial barriers, as participants werc able to take part free of charge, and provided a new, positive experience for many. The event had a lasting impact, inspiring participants to engage in regular physical activity and further Boots & Beards programmes. All participants received medals and T-shirts, creating a sensL of achievement and strengthening community connections while introducing a wider audience to the benefits of active living. Overall Impact From April 2024 to March 2025, we delivered a 11, ambitious programme that exceeded targets and respond¢d to community demand. Participation, particularly ainong women, families and young people, has grown significantly. The projcct has improved physical activity, confidence, mental health, and community connection whilc continuing to challengye under-representation and make the outdoors more inclusive aiid welcoming for all. Structure, Governance and Management Boots & Beards is registered as a Scottish Charit) and is regulated by our Mcmorandum of Articles, which were adopted in 2016 and most recently ain¢iided on 3 March 2025. Thc Charity IS b7overned by five elccted trustees who provide strategic oversight, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requiremenls, and guidL the orgvanisation's mission and vision. The operational leadership of Boots & Bcards is managed by the Programme Manager, who is responsibl¢ for the day-to-day dclivcry of aclivities, staff nianagjcmeiit, projcct devclopment, partnership working7, and finaiicial oversigTht. Our staff tcairj includes Projcct and Fundingi Manager, Operational Lead, Project Coordinatoi's, outreach workers, coaches, and administrativ¢ support, all of whom work closely with volunteers to deliver higyh-quality programm¢s across Glasgow. Volunteers are a vital part of our organisation, supporting delivery, assistingF Wlth events, providinb peer mentoring, ancl hclping7 to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for participants. Decision-making is guided by clear structures and regular coinmunication bctween trustees, statT, and volunteers. Trustees meet quarterly to review progircss, asscss risks, and agyree org7anisational priorities, while staff hold weekly operational ineetingFs to plan delivery, monitor participation, and rcview feedback from participants. To ensure safe, effective, and compliant delivery, Boots & BLards operates under a comprehensive set of policies and procedures. These include: Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Hcalth and Safety Policy Equality and Diversity Policy Data Protection and GDPR Policy Volunteer Policy Risk Assessment Procedures Complaints and Feedback Policy These policies are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practice and to ensure that our activities are safe, inclusive and well-governed. By combining strong governance, skilled
leadershkp, dedicated staff and volunteers, and robust policies, Boots & Beards maintains an effective organisational structure that supports sustainable growth, high-quality delivery and positive outcomes for the communities we serve. Funders and Supporters Boots & Beards is grateful to all the organisations and funders whose support makes our work possible. Their investment enables us to deliver inclusive. culturally sensitive activities that improve physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, and strengthen community connections. Over the financial year ending 31 March 2025. our key funders included: GCVS Inspiring Scotland Islamic Relief UK Ethnic Minority Developinent Fund Paths For All Shared Carc Scotland Sported Foundation DofE Corra Foundation The Robertson Trust We value each of our funders, commitment and continue to work closely with them to ensure our projects meet community neLS and deliver meaningful impact.
Boots and Beards Recei ts and Pa ments Aeeount For The Year Ended 31-Mar-25 Scottish Cliarity Number SC047737 YIE Mar 2025 YIE M8rch 2024 Receipts Donation reccived Fundin l.ess Tax Deductcd 46,141 19,981 166991 185270 166.991 185,270 Total receipts 21.1,132 205,251 Payments General Expenses Rent Venuc I-Iire Vcliicle and Travelling Expenses Wagcs Equipment Offi¢c ¢quipinent Advertisin Food pps Subscriptions liisurance Telephone Duke of Edinburbyh Donations -Collab¢rdtion Baiik ChargyL'S Lcgpal & Professional Fees Total payments 2(1.202 X,200 13.212 6,077 8,700 16,461 9,815 111.028 6,065 67 2,463 1,593 1845 291 853 523 949 528 84 3,132 170474 161,277 7,854 992 500 ?,557 579 ?,219 2542 698 398 31 231,731 Surplus l (deficit) for year -18,599 34,777
Boots and Ileards Staternent of Balance as at 31 March 2025 Sioltish Chatity SC047737 I"IE )lar 2025 YIE %larch 2024 Fixliirc and fittings Miiii Bus 220(X) Bank and cash in hand Cash arid barik bcilaiicc at start of ycar Surplus - deficil shown on receipt and panent account 110,481 75,704 -18.599 34,777 91,882 110,481 Balance plus Fixture and fitting at end of year 91.882 110.481 Restietcd funds reeeii'ed £ 166.991 141,429 FUNDINC 2025 GCVS 7.281 INSPIRIING SCOTLAND 75.(1 12.572 12.496 16.043 23.618 IRUK3 ETFINIC MINORI I"Y DEVELOPMENT FUND PATHS FOR ALL PART SIIARID CARE SCOTLAND SPORTED FOUNDATION TFII AWARD SCHEME L. t)OFEGRANT THI CORRA FOUNDATION 720 THE ROFIERT£ON TRIIST 10.( 166.991 Funds are restricted. ) )r()I'L(I lik IIIL TrLi%liiS 411111 sj<Jlli'il oil their behalf 30 D¢1]ib¢r 2025
Iloots and BeArds Ilccouiitants R¢ "or the efir cnded -11 March 2025 Scotti%h Charity Number SC047737 el out on pages l ts) 3 5pective reiponjihility 0rtrnite #nd examintr The charity's Ink5tecs are responsible for the wepamion of the accounts in acwrdance wilh lh¢ lemis of ihe Charitics and Truslee Inkcstmcnt (kthland) 2005 Acl and ihe Charil1¢s Arcounis (Scotland) Regulaiions 2006. The charity iruslees ¢onsidcr that ihe audii r¢quirLni¢ni of Rcgulation 10( I ) (al lo Q of the Accounis Regulalirms d(xs noi apply. li is rny ie%ponsibility 10 examinc tlie accounts as requircd under Kclion 44(1) Q of lh¢ Act dnd Io staic wliciher panicular malleri have corne to rny allenlion. Basis ofindep¢ndent exAmlner's sta¢emen¢ My examination is carries out in accordance with Regulation I l of thc Charili¢% Accounis Iseoiland) Regulation5 2006. An examinalion includes a review of the accwniinb rccords kepl by Ihc chariiy dnd a conparison on th¢ accounls prcsenied wilh those records. li dlso Inclu¢5 eon¥ideralion of any unusual items or dii¢losure5 in ihe aCCniS and seek% exp14111aiiuns tli¢ Iru%le¢5 concerning any such mailers. The prncedurrts uiidcrtakcii dv PiLivid¢ all th¢ ¢vidcncc Ihai would be i¢4uiir41 iii ali ¥ydi¢ ajxl. ¥viixgu¢iiily. I do cxprcJs Jn Judit opsnion on ihe IndepeiideD¢ ¢x#thilner's stV4tement Iii ihe course of my Cxaminaiion, no maiicr come io my attenti l. Which ¥ivcs mc ica30nibl¢ cause io bclicvc ih41 in my maThI1 r¢sp¢¢¢ lh¢ requirements: to k¢¢p Deci)unting rccords in e0rdAnce wilh Kdion 44(IXa) of thc 2005 .Ict gnd Regulation 4 Qf ihe 2006 ACC(nts Rcgulaiions. and lo prepar¢.ie¢ouni% which accord wilh th¢ ACCntIng recor(ts and ¢(pIY M'iih Regulation 9 of the 2006 Acc(unL4 Rcgulaiions. 114v¢ not been mei or 2. to which. in rny opillion. #tieniion slThild drawn in order io enablc a prT undcrstsnding ol (he accounls lo be reached. Igned Nanie: