SCIO’s Registered Name - Journey of Hope (SCIO) Charity number SCO51471
Registered on 6/1/22
Trustees Report and Financial Statement 20/8/24
3[nd] Year Report – 20/8/24
Contents:
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Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity
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Trustees Report
Activities
What Service Uses said
- Governance
3.1 AGM – May 2024
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Moving Forward
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Statement of Financial Activities
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Preparation of Report
1. Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity
Purposes - The organisation’s purposes are: The advancement of the arts, heritage and culture as a vehicle for social transformation across the 3 towns of Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenson.
Independent Examiner TACT 27 Vernon St, Saltcoats KA21 5HE
Bank Bank of Scotland 57 Dockhead St, Saltcoats KA21 5EY
In June 2023 we were finally able to open a bank account. This process has taken over 12 months due to continuous errors by the Bank of Scotland. We are hoping to receive compensation because of this. We do not expect any funds into this bank account before that compensation has been paid.
2. Trustees Report
Sharing art, heritage, and culture plays a pivotal role in fostering community cohesion by bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and creating shared experiences. When
individuals engage in collective artistic activities, they form connections that transcend social, economic, and cultural barriers. This collective engagement helps build a sense of belonging and mutual respect among community members.
Artistic expressions, whether through visual arts, music, pilgrimage, or dance, offer a universal language that can communicate emotions and ideas that words often cannot. By participating in or observing art, community members can gain a deeper understanding of each other's experiences and perspectives, fostering empathy and solidarity.
Heritage, on the other hand, anchors communities in their shared history and traditions. By preserving and celebrating local heritage, communities maintain a continuity that strengthens their identity. Heritage projects, such as engaging with heritage sites as we do with Sannox Christian Centre or organizing an outdoor singing event, encourage people to come together, learn from their past, and take pride in their collective achievements.
Cultural activities, including artmaking and storytelling sessions, highlight the rich tapestry of community life. These events provide platforms for individuals to showcase their unique talents, promoting inclusivity and appreciation for diversity.
In essence this year’s work of Journey of Hope, sharing art, heritage, and culture continues to nurture a cohesive community by fostering dialogue, understanding, and a shared sense of identity and purpose.
Activities
Art at the Journey of Hope Installation
9 people gathered in September to take part in a exploring art and wellbeing workshop.
Remembrance Day Service
Journey of Hope once again participated in the Remembrance Day Service in the remembrance garden where the Journey of Hope Installation is.
Pilgrimage
14 people attended but this event had to be rescheduled as the ferry was cancelled the day we were due to travel to Arran. Only 7 people attended on the rescheduled date. Again this activity had to be cancelled due to ferry disruptions.
Outdoor Singing at the Journey of Hope Installation
5 people attended this event.
What Service Uses said
"Participating in the community art project was so much fun. I met people I wouldn't have otherwise and we all worked together to create something beautiful. It’s a great reminder of what we can achieve when we come together."
"Attending the Remembrance Day event was a deeply moving experience. The ceremony, with its poignant speeches and the beautiful art installations honouring our veterans, really brought our community together. It was a powerful reminder of our shared history and the sacrifices made for our freedom. Seeing people of all ages paying their respects and sharing stories created a profound sense of unity and gratitude among us all."
"I was really looking forward to the pilgrimage event, but even though it was cancelled, the sense of community spirit didn't waver. The organizers quickly set up an impromptu gathering at the Ardrossan Ferry terminal where we shared our stories and reflections. It wasn't the same as being able to go in person, but it reminded me of our resilience and commitment to staying connected and supporting each other, no matter the circumstances."
"The outdoor singing event was absolutely magical! Being surrounded by neighbours and friends, all singing together under the open sky, created such a joyful and uplifting atmosphere. Can't wait for the next one!"
- Governance
Trustees
Board Engagement
The trustees are grateful for the enthusiasm, passion and commitment of volunteers but are disappointed that they have not been able to recruit additional members willing to join the board.
Risk Assessment
The charity maintains and actively monitors its risk register. The register is presented at each board meeting where risks are identified and mitigating actions put in place.
We have been unable to recruit a treasurer and recognise this as a governance issue causing us to question the future viability of the charity. Mitigating actions activities are run on a voluntary basis.
This situation has meant we have not been to apply for any grants to grow our work. It also means that we have had to stop hosting some of the activities we had previously hosted which required funds to organise.
Principal risks and uncertainties
As identified in last year’s report “Volunteer shortages and fatigue are our greatest risk at this point. Although members give generously of their time, the organisation has a largely older age cohort with family and health responsibilities. This year’s activities has been very demanding of volunteer time and the trustees are hugely appreciative of those who do volunteer so generously.”
This year situation has been much more serious as we have had less volunteers and due to fewer participants attending Journey of Hope events volunteers are less motivated to offer their time and talents going forward.
3.1 AGM
Currently The organisation’s purposes are:
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1.1 The advancement of the arts, heritage and culture as a vehicle for social transformation across the 3 Towns of Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenson,
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Promoting Artistic Engagement: JoH Successfully organized and facilitated a community art projects, including an art workshop, and performance event, These initiatives have fostered creativity, self-expression, and a greater appreciation for the arts within the community.
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Preserving and Celebrating Heritage: JoH hosted an impromptu storytelling session when people had gathered for the pilgrimage and the ferry was cancelled. This session highlighted the rich history and cultural traditions of the 3 Towns. This activity educated residents about their local heritage and also strengthened community identity and pride.
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Cultural Integration and Social Cohesion: JoH hosted a variety of events that showcased the cultural backgrounds of community members, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect. These events have created opportunities for intergenerational interactions, enhancing social cohesion and fostering a sense of unity among residents.
4. Moving Forward
The future of the charity is unclear at this time. Over the next six months we will be looking to recruit new board members and new volunteers. It has been decided that if we are not able to recruit new board members and new volunteers the charity will close before 20/8/25.
5. Statement of Financial Activities
As stated in previous reports due to COVID it was extremely difficult to open a charity bank account. By the time we had opened a bank account the charity was successfully running on the gift of volunteer time. Activities that did require money, such as the pilgrimage, were funded by pilgrims paying their own way and not paying the charity to purchase travel tickets and food.
Journey of Hope activities that did offer hospitality did so because volunteers donated the refreshments.
We have no reserve funds or petty cash. Each activity is advertised as free and participants are encouraged to bring their own refreshments.
- Preparation of Report
This report was approved and authorised for issue by the trustees and signed on their behalf by ecretary.