2025-03-31-accounts - Harris Trust

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Charity No. SC050803

HARRIS TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

HARRIS TRUST CONTENTS

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT	1 - 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT	4
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS	5
STATEMENT OF BALANCES	6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	7

HARRIS TRUST TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

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The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

AIMS OF HARRIS TRUST

To raise awareness and provide training around mental health and neurodiversity.
To support the development of mentoring and peer support programmes for young people.
To support the provision of music, sport and outdoor activities that would enhance the educational and social experience of young people with mental health and/or neurodiverse issues.

SUMMARY OF MAIN ACTIVITIES IN THE YEAR

Engage with local community (Selkirkshire) and wider Education, Music, Youth and Sports communities across Scottish Borders.
Provide opportunities for creativity and support through Music Projects in Scottish Borders Schools.
Provide a Children’s Rugby Programme which is autism friendly.
Provide primary and secondary students with the opportunity to gain Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards. 5. Engage with academic research around neurodiversity - continue to work withisnd her teams at the University of Edinburgh and the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre.

SUMMARY OF MAIN ACHIEVMENTS DURING THE YEAR

SPaRKs (Songwriting, Performance and Recording Kickstarter)

During the summer term of 2024, Es with 2 young assistants, led pupils from Selkirk, Jedburgh and Earlston High Schools in the songwriting phase. Twelve pupils from the academic year achieved Youth Scotland Dynamic Youth Awards. One student started to volunteer, and another started to do solo performances at the MacArts venue. One of the assistants left to pursue her solo career.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, sessions have been held during school at Selkirk, after school at Jedburgh and in the evening at the MacArts venue. MacArts has developed into a ‘hub’ for the project in that students from various schools attend. The leadership of the project has changed and|J an experienced community music practitioner and expert drummer/percussionist, is now the Manager of the project.Be: supervised [ii in his tutoring and = peer mentor. HM has had a significantly positive impact on the project and there has also been continued input from EE professional musician and patron of the project. There is a gig planned for MacArts on the 19th June which will give the students an opportunity to perform original material they have created during the year. Feedback from school staff has been extremely positive in terms of the benefits of the project for students’ confidence, self-esteem and mental well-being. We were asked to submit a chapter about SPaRKs for the book ‘Neurodivergent Thriving in School’ whichi | team at Edinburgh University are producing. This is expected to be published later this year. eeMusic with oe to provide inclusive music sessions for students and has expanded further, with input to 3 high schools and 8 primary schools. Depending on the needs of the student J ovides 1:1 or small group sessions which are flexible in content and delivery. We have received excellent feedback from the schools about | | impact on the students. Here is an example of one of the teacher’s feedback reports: “| am delighted to share my experiences regardin .: a music instructor for7 | thrived unde I guidance during their weekly lessons. He eagerly anticipates each session and has expressed how much he enjoys learning music. Since starting his lessons confidence has flourished. He has proudly shared his creations with his parents, who are very impressed. It's heartening to see him so passionate about music and has said that he doesn't want his lessons toareend. grateful forparents the positivehave impactalso |notedESa hadsignif} o aa:increasebig thankin his confidence you tofiorand fosterinenthusiasm[ifor musicloveat forhome. musicThey and helping him grow as a young person.”

HARRIS TRUST TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTD)

SUMMARY OF MAIN ACHIEVMENTS DURING THE YEAR (CONTD)

‘Harris Fest’ - Saturday 22nd June 2024 – held in Selkirk RFC grounds

The first ever Harris Fest was full of local talent from the Borders with headline act Haiver blowing away the audience with a pounding performance. The family-friendly festival, inspired by the Harris Trust school initiative SPaRKs, gave the chance for budding youngsters to show off their skills. Selkirk based Dere Street was fronted by who herself leads projects for the Harris Trust. Hawick’s Devin Casson wowed the crowd. Other delights were Fire in the Middle (Duns), Blacktooth (Edinburgh/Hawick), Leatherette (Berwick-upon-Tweed (Lilliesleaf duo) and 3 out of 4 (Earlston).

aid “it was a great pleasure and honour to be involved not only in performing but also in organising the firstever Harris Fest. You never know what to expect when putting on shows these days, but this event surpassed all expectations. If it continues to be an annual event, I can only see it growing from strength to strength. It was such a lovely family-friendly day out, and everyone involved in the festival did an incredible job. Events like this truly showcase the strength of a community”.

Mini Rugby Programme – Autism Friendly

These Sunday sessions at Selkirk RFC, which have now been running since April 2023, continue to grow. Children aged 7-13 years old who enjoy physical activity, but find mainstream groups challenging, are encouraged to attend these free sessions and bring their siblings. There is no need to have a diagnosis e.g. autism or ADHD. The high coach: child ratio enables engagement and a high level of supervision. The session involves a series of short fun games with a little bit of rugby.

The young adult coaches have really developed their skills in managing the needs of the group. There is also a rota of adult helpers – always 2 available for every session, who provide refreshments and chat to parents/carers. We now have a full group of 12 registered children plus siblings. Sessions run throughout the year, so we were able to provide 37 sessions over this period. This consistency is excellent for the children who like routine and allows the coaches and helpers to really get to know the families.

Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards (FOLA)

We have continued to work with Newbattle College Lecture nd fund FOLA awards. In June 2024, 14 students from Selkirk High School achieved Level 4 or 5 FOLA. In October completed a 9-week block for Selkirk cluster primaries (8 children) with all children achieving a Level 2 award. Good feedback from staff and several parents. Two members of staff at Selkirk High School finished the Level 8 award – so can now deliver FOLA to both the High School and feeder primary schools. Staff feedback was that this project led to benefits of increased school attendance, improved selfesteem and better engagement with learning than in a typical classroom environment.

Selkirk High Tractor Project

Harris Trust has assisted in the funding of this new initiative. Eight students in S3 were selected by staff. Several of the students are neurodivergent and have thrived on this practical project. They have taken an old Massey Ferguson tractor apart and put it back together while learning about the machine. Harris Trust funded the personal protective equipment (boiler suits, boots, masks) and funded the teaching input from a welder and agricultural technician. The students are hoping to showcase the repaired tractor at the local farming shows in summer 2025. They will achieve a variety of landbased accreditations for this new subject in the curriculum. The BBC programme ‘Landward’ have been following the student’s progress!

Fundraising

Our annual fundraiser – the Lilliesleaf 10k Run/Walk in October 2024 was a success and attracted around 200 participants. Despite tricky weather, the DJ and the Piper kept the crowd entertained and the village hall committee provided the usual excellent post-race homemade soup and bread. We are very grateful to individuals and groups who have fundraised in many different ways for the Harris Trust over this past year – all celebrated on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

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HARRIS TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTD)

RESERVES POLICY

In respect of reserves, the Trust has a policy of maintaining reserves to protect against unforeseen fluctuations in income. The policy is to maintain unrestricted funds at a level which would enable the Trust to continue its provision of services if its sources of income were to cease or be delayed significantly in their payment. The Trustees consider that it is prudent for them to aim to cover three months expenditure by way of reserve. Trustees consider that the balance on available unrestricted funds to be at a satisfactory level at 31 March 2025 in line with this policy.

GOVERNANCE

Harris Trust is an unincorporated charity governed by its Trust Deed. New Trustees can be proposed by existing Trustees. New Trustees receive appropriate induction and training.

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity name Harris Trust Registered charity number SC050803 Principal address Trustees

Approved by the Trustees and signed on 2 June 2025:

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

HARRIS TRUST

I report on the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees & independent examiner

The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The Trustees consider that the audit requirements of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the 2006 Regulations (as amended) does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1) (c) of the 2005 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Regulations (as amended). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented, with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeks explanations from the Trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.

Independent examiner's statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

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 Regulations (as amended), and
to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Regulations (as amended)

have not been met, or

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

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3 June 2025

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HARRIS TRUST

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Receipts from: Donations Grants Fundraising Sundry income Total receipts Payments relating to: Fundraising activities Charitable activities Admin and sundry Total payments (DEFICIT)/SURPLUS FOR YEAR	31/03/2025 £ 38,329 - 5,700 350	31/03/2024 £ 23,846 22,840 3,636 -
	44,379	50,322
	59,318 1,388 1,078	2,141 31,434 1,343
	61,784	34,918
	(17,405)	15,404

The notes on page 7 form part of these financial statements.

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Charity No. SC050803

HARRIS TRUST

STATEMENT OF BALANCES

As at 31 March 2025

Opening bank balance (Deficit)/surplus for year Closing bank balance	31/03/2025 £ 72,875 (17,405)	31/03/2024 £ 57,471 15,404
	55,470	72,875

The financial statements on pages 5 to 7 were approved by the Trustees on 2 June 2025 and were signed by:

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The notes on page 7 form part of these financial statements.

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HARRIS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements are prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

2 Funds

Unrestricted funds are those which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects of the Trust at the discretion of the Trustees. Unrestricted funds include a donation of £5,000 which was received during the year and which the Trustees have decided to set aside for a future project. Otherwise unrestricted general funds are used for day-to-day running expenses. Restricted funds are those which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Trust. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. There are currently no Restricted funds. The deficit in the year was funded by reserves. Total funds at the year end were £55,470 as shown on the Statement of Balances.

3 Trustee remuneration and expenses

No Trustees were paid or received any other benefits from employment from the Trust in the year or previous year. No expenses were reimbursed to Trustees in the year or previous year.

4 Transactions with connected persons

There were no transactions with connected persons in the year or previous year.

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