## **A Year of Growth, Healing, and Collective Strength** 2024/2025 was a year defined by community resilience, cultural pride, and the power of connection. At Project Esperanza, we continued to stand alongside racialised and migrant families across Edinburgh, offering safety, belonging, and practical support during a time when many communities faced rising hostility, economic pressure, and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, our families, young people, and volunteers showed extraordinary courage and creativity. Together, we built spaces of joy, learning, and healing. We strengthened partnerships, expanded our programmes, and deepened our commitment to culturally ‑ competent, trauma informed practice. This year, Project Esperanza supported **198 new families (in total we are currently supporting 674 to date)** , engaged **312 children and young people** , and delivered **1,482 volunteer hours** of community care. Behind every number is a story of hope. ## **Our Impact at a Glance** ## **Supporting Families** - **198 new families** received direct support - **64%** accessed more than one strand of support, showing the value of our holistic model - **87%** reported improved wellbeing and confidence - Families told us they felt _seen_ , _heard_ , and _understood_ —often for the first time in Scotland **Annual report narrative for 2024/2025** , ## **Empowering Children & Young People** - **312 children and young people** took part in our programmes - Activities ranged from cultural identity workshops to creative arts, mentoring, and wellbeing sessions - Young people reported feeling more confident, connected, and proud of their heritage ## **Building Community** - **11 community events** brought over 600 people together - Events celebrated culture, food, language, and intergenerational connection - Partnerships strengthened with schools, youth services, and ‑ - migrant led organisations ## **Volunteer Leadership** - **34 active volunteers** , including 11 newly trained volunteers - **92%** said they felt valued, supported, and equipped - Volunteers contributed **1,482 hours** of community care - - ● New competency based training modules are helping volunteers grow into confident community leaders ## **Workforce Development** We are proud to be championing the Third Sector and Public Sector in intersectional and anti-racism workforce development, particularly in the North of Edinburgh by the expansion of training and consultancy to challenge inequalities across the workforce. ## **Safeguarding & Wellbeing** Safety remains at the heart of everything we do. - **7 safeguarding concerns** were raised this year ## ● **All were responded to within 24 hours** - No cases required escalation to statutory services **Annual report narrative for 2024/2025** , - Volunteers and staff engaged in reflective practice and ongoing training Our safeguarding culture is rooted in dignity, cultural humility, and early intervention. ## **Our Financial Picture** Thanks to the generosity of funders, partners, and supporters, Project ‑ Esperanza continued to deliver high quality, culturally competent services. ## ● **£168,000 total income** ## ● **£222,099 total expenditure** While our core funding is secure until March 2026, demand continues to rise. Strengthening our sustainability remains a key priority for the coming year. ## **What Families Told Us** Families shared that Project Esperanza is: - “A place where my children feel proud of who they are.” - “Support that understands our culture and our struggles.” - “A community that feels like home.” Young people told us they want more creative, cultural, and leadership opportunities and we are committed to expanding these spaces. Volunteers described Project Esperanza as: - “A place where I can develop my skills.” - “A team that understands and values my lived experience.” - “A community that supports me as much as I support others.” ## **Strengthening Our Organisation** **Annual report narrative for 2024/2025** , This year we: - Developed a new Monitoring & Evaluation dashboard - Improved data segmentation by age, ethnicity, and programme strand - Refreshed our safeguarding policy - Strengthened governance and Board development - - ● Began designing a three year sustainability plan - Prepared for new Board recruitment focused on finance, safeguarding, and lived experience leadership ## **Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025/2026** As we move into the next year, our priorities are clear: - Expand culturally competent programmes for children, young people, and families - Strengthen volunteer leadership pathways - - ● Build long term financial sustainability - Deepen partnerships across Edinburgh - Continue standing firmly against racism, xenophobia, and all forms of oppression - Create more spaces of joy, healing, and cultural pride ‑ Project Esperanza remains committed to co creating futures where racialised and migrant families feel safe, valued, and empowered. ## **A Message of Gratitude** To every family who trusted us, every volunteer who showed up, every partner who collaborated, and every funder who believed in our vision **thank you** . Your support makes this work possible. Your courage inspires us. Your stories shape our mission. Together, we are building a Scotland where every child, every family, and every community can thrive. **Annual report narrative for 2024/2025** ,