OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-annual-report

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 An Award Winning Organisation

----- Start of picture text -----
Kavanagh House
----- End of picture text -----

Chairpersons Address

Good morning, everyone and Welcome to the Ardoyne Association AGM. A very special Welcome to our invited guests and our funders.

The Association is fast approaching 50 years of service to the community.

As a founder member I am especially delighted to be addressing you all today as the Chairperson of the association. It has been a privilege for me to be a part of this great organization. I want to acknowledge the wonderful people who were part of the foundation of the organization and over the years the many wonderful people who have played their part in delivering its aims and objectives. I want to also take a moment to remember all those who are sadly no longer with us, but have left a lasting impact on the organization and the community.

We have had a very busy and successful year since our last AGM, supporting over 4000 people through a range of programmes, advice, training, COL crisis support, all made possible with additional funding secured from a range of funders. The funding has allowed the Association to recruit an additional 2 full-time advisors and a 1 training development officer for 5 years.

We launched our Universal Credit & Online Benefit Cafe Clinic in Nov 2022. On a weekly bases we assist and support clients to claim and maintain their online benefit claims. We are currently working in partnership with the University of Ulster Law School and having students on placement in our office as part of their postgraduate degree course, they provide additional support to clients progressing their UC claims, whilst enhancing their knowledge and understanding of Social Security Law.

We continue to support owner occupiers, private tenants, and social tenants with a range of Housing and Environmental issues, from housing applications, homelessness, repairs, common selection scheme, planned maintenance programmes, affordable warmth scheme and more.

Our Training and Employability programmes are person centred and support individuals to aquire a new skill or qualification, we support them to find and sustain new employment.

We continue to work closely with the statutory agencies who service this area. We continue to be part of all developments within Ardoyne and surrounding areas.

I wish to thank, my fellow Board Members all our Street Reps and our Staff and Volunteers for their sterling work over the past year.

I look forward to seeing the special documentary we made for our 50th anniversary and I look forward to the future.

Thank you all.

ADVICE SERVICE REPORT

We are extremely proud of our Generalist Advice Service, vast approaching 45 years of delivering Welfare Rights to the local Community and the wider Belfast Area, through (NBAP) North Belfast Advice Partnership

At the end of February 2022, we launched our Community Larder and in the first month we supported 382 Adults and 795 Children. The Larder is managed by a wonderful Volunteer Team and this service is vital to all who use it.

The aim of our service is to Maximise Household Income for all, the employed, selfemployed on low income, the unemployed and those seeking work, the Retired, Carers and those who are unable to work due to Sickness or Disability.

The additional funding secured has enabled us to launch and deliver the very first Universal Credit and Online Benefits Café Clinic here in Belfast, this weekly drop in service is now delivered in partnership with the University of Ulster Law School, were post graduate student receive real world benefit training with face 2 face learning and experience of our more complex cases and supporting some of the most vulnerable clients in receipt of Universal Credit. Since its launch in November 2022 to March 2023, we have supported 152 individuals with Universal Credit Claims, but more importantly maintaining their claims.

We continue to manage and deliver a professional, high quality, confidential service to all.

Our Advisors continue to train and update their training on an annual basis.

We aim to support our clients through a Benefit System that can be complex and confusing.

At this time the Association would like to pay tribute to our team of Advisors including our Volunteer Advice and Admin / Reception Team, without their support our service would struggle to meet demand.

In 2022 we secured funding from the National Lottery People and Places and the NIHE Sustaining Tenancies Fund, this allowed the organisation to recruited additional Advice Workers to manage the increased demand and workload.

Our extended opening hours service was also launched in November 2022. The Association offer a Wednesday evening and a Saturday morning Advice Clinic. This service was launched after the findings of a needs analysis survey was completed by current users of the service, especially for those in employment. The uptake for the service has been slow and the organisation will keep under review before taking any final decision on its future.

We have a proud history of lobbying, and as members of North Belfast Advice Partnership and AdviceNI we use our strong voice to lobby for funding and action to combat poverty and welfare issues. As a lead member of NBAP we are one of Belfast City Councils 9 strategic partners for the city and have delivered extensively on a range of COVID19 and Cost of Living Crisis programmes. Additional funding from Cask for Kids, Urban Villages and others have allowed the Advice Service to support an additional 1000 + individuals and their families with a range of Cost-of-Living support.

Throughout the year our team deliver and attend a range of health and welfare information meetings and sessions from, The Trusted Partners Meeting @ DfC, North Belfast JOB Office and UC Team to Health and Social Care Workers to Community Groups, Schools, Surestart Programmes, and Older people services.

CASES OPENED LAST 12 MONTHS

Welfare Rights (Case): 1760 Universal Credit (Case): 318 (Miscellaneous) (Case): 951 Housing (Case): 115 General (Case): 13 Employment (Case): 4 Debt (Case): 8 Community Care (Case): 5 Not Specified (Case): 14 Welfare Rights (Equiry): 20

Income Generated directly by our service totals

£4,970,279.00

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMMES

Universal Credit Café Clinic: 152

BCC Fuel Hardship Fund: 200 Households

Christmas with Dignity Appeal Toys and Hampers: 300 Families

Halloween Pumpkin Patch & Mid Term Break Support: 50 families

Return to School Packs: 70 children

Fuel and Food Support Voucher: 120 Families

Uniform Freecycle: 575 children

Kettle Bags: 200 individuals/couples

Community Larder: 382 Adults and 795 Children

Baby Packs: 50 Cleaning Packs: 50 Flax Educational Support Programme: 500 household

North Belfast Advice Partnership

8833 27255 303 CLIENTS ISSUES CRISIS INTERVENTION 24 MILLION

MONEY BACK

As members of NBAP, we collectively work to deliver an effective Advice Service across North Belfast.

A recent photo of NBAP Advice Team at a Thank You and Recognition Dinner.

The staff showed exemplary commitment, dedication, and care to all service users during COVID and all continue to do so now during this current Cost of Living Crisis.

SUSTAINING TENANCIES PROGRAMME

The aim of this programme is to provide the practical skills, tools and resources to prepare and enable new tenants to acceptance and manage their NIHE tenancy, it also supports currents tenants to sustain their tenancy, by engaging with our programmes that will maximise household income through Full Benefit Checks, Money Management Programmes, Reduce the Carbon footprint through our Walking Club and our Eating for the Seasons programme. We aim to address mental health and wellbeing; social isolation and loneliness is a key factor of this project and to sustaining tenancies. Looking after the health and wellbeing of tenants is a key element of this programme.

Statistics

April 2022 - March 2023

Full Benefits checks: 447 Tenants with over 532 Beneficiaries

Money Management Programme: 50 Eat for the Seasons: 50 families Yoga: 33 participants Walk and Talk Group: 50 participants

100% Benefitted from taking part

100% Learnt something new

100% Training reduced stress, worry or anxiety

80% Had fun at the training

75% Felt it brightened their mood

----- Start of picture text -----
Number Registered Number Participated HE Residents Others
Money Management 40 32 25 1
Yoga 37 27 27 0
Eat for the seasons 50 households 132 50 0
Walk & Talk 35 25 22 3
Total 162 216 124 4
----- End of picture text -----

No. of Clients who received Full Benefit Checks 532 Total Number of Beneficiaries

447

We are members of Fareshare and Foodiverse, along with generous donations from a range of funders and individuals, this allows us to support so many due this Cost of Living Crisis.

Our Uniform Freecycle Shop - Managed by a team of volunteers the shop is open to all parents of nursery, primary and post primary school children. We provide uniforms and PE gear for schools across North Belfast. In 2022/23 - 517 children received full school uniforms, the Uniform Shop opens for 11 weeks May - August of each year.

Cash For Kids - Allowed us to purchase 70 School Bags and Essential School Items, all issued to support children returning to school across North Belfast.

Additional community support projects

Uniform Freecycle Shop

Return to School Packs Money Management Programme Baby Packs

Christmas with Dignity Appeal

SAVE OUR GP SERVICE

we campaigned tirelessly to save our service, with over 3000 patients registered at the practice, the Ardoyne Association led the campagine on behalf of the community.

We held public meetings, raised awareness and lobbied elected representatives, embarked on a media campaigned to show our anger at the potential loss of such a service especially in an area with such high levels of Health Enqualities.

The people of Ardoyne are used to fighting for essential services and we are proud to say that our campaign was successful.

COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING COMMUNITY NEED

THE ENVIRONMENT & NEW DEVELOPMENTS

St Reps Training Programme

This programme empowers our St Reps in several key areas, it enables them to provide low level advice and information to their neighbours, family and friends, areas covered in the training are the history of the Ardoyne Association, Introduction to Benefits, Introduction to Housing, Introduction to Employment Rights and the final session is on Empowering Women & Women in Politics. Our Street Representatives have really enjoyed this programme.

Review of Strategic Plan

2022 – 23 The Organisation carried out a review of its current Strategic Plan and we can confirm that the Association is well on target to meet all aims and objectives set out in the plan.

Ardoyne Association History Project

funded by BCC this programme has allowed the organisation to visually record founding members and their testimony, it captures the history and foundation of the organisation. The video includes interviews with current staff and new Street Reps. We hope to have an official launch during 2023.

Tina Leggs – Fundraising Event in Crumlin Star

FUND RAISING FOR THE ASSOCIATION

Tina Leggs hosted a Bingo Event to help support the work of the Ardoyne Association. Holy Cross Play and Learn, Unite the Union, Ben Madigan, Surestart and more all supported our Christmas with Dignity Appeal, making sure that children in crisis across our community had toys, gifts, and food for Christmas.

Holy Cross Play and Learn

The Community reacted quickly to support the people of Turkey and Syria after the disastrous earthquake which killed over 47,000 people and displaced millions. The Association, Social Clubs and Street Reps moved quickly to raise funds to support both countries, collectively we raised £3774.05

Challenging, Lobbying and raising awareness of our community’s needs and infrastructure are a key objective of the organisation. Community Safety, Health and Welfare, Housing and Environmental Issues to Educational Needs and Provision.

Our long campaign to secure the reopening of Flax Street, which for our organisation was presenting a major health and safety issue for all residents, reducing traffic congestion, reducing times for emergency services accessing the area, residents accessing bus routes and access to wider retail services.

Working with Urban Villages and BCC on the redevelopment of Bonehills, this will see a functional outdoor sports facility, park and hub that will address the lack of amenities and outdoor space for our local sporting teams. For the daily users of the Park, they will experience a new and welcoming space to enjoy, all promoting positive physical and mental health and wellbeing.

We are also delighted to support ABC Trust in the current development of a new Health, Leisure and Educational Hub for the area, phase 1 of this complex is near completion and we look forward to supporting ABC Trust moving forward.

We work on a day-to-day bases with all Housing providers and developers who aim to assist with the regeneration of the area. Recently we worked with developers to deliver 2 major housing schemes for the area, Galgani and Brookfield Mill and are delighted to see families enjoying their new homes. We continue to engage with Developers and Elected Reps on the continued Transformation of Ardoyne Ave, we hope the next phase of redevelopment will include The Flax Centre leading down to the Shamrock Club.

We worked closely with DfI on the resurfacing of Roads and Pathways in the area and continue to lobby for the rest of the area to receive the same level of improvements, we also engage with DfI on Traffic Calming Measures and continue to be a voice for the community when it comes to safety of residents.

The Ardoyne Association are represented on a range of fora, ensuring effective service delivery from all statutory agencies.

HCN MEETINGS AND LOCAL HOUSING & ENVIRONMENTAL SUBGROUP MEETING

Bimonthly Meetings are held locally with St Reps, Housing Providers, BCC, DfI and DoJ, this is an opportunity for our St Reps to raise concerns impacting their street and their area. We carry out Estate Inspections with a range of statutory agencies, issues raised must be addressed by the relevant agency and the inspection toolkit is reviewed regularly to make sure progress has been made.

The Housing Community Network is part of the NIHE structure, it’s for staff and management of the Association to attend, this is were wider NIHE housing issues, programmes and scheme are discussed, reviewed, and monitored.

Gardens of Ardoyne Project

Saw the transformation of the office garden and several houses at either side of the property. Looking at biodiversity through growing your own fruit and vegetables this wonderful project has transforms this section of Etna Drive. This was thanks to BCC and the wonderful ladies who volunteered their time to complete this project.

Dumping AND Dog Fouling continue to be a nuisance and we at the Association work closely with our Street Reps and Council Staff to address, identify and inform residents about Bin Collection Days, Special Collections Services, issues with Dog Fouling and we would like to thank BCC for their continued support on addressing this issue.

Christmas Dinner for our Pensioners, Nurses, & Carer Workers

What a great night of food, music, and dance, celebrating our older residents and thanking our Nurses and Care Workers for all they do within and across our community.

Social

Supermarket The Association in partnership with the VINE Centre are currently exploring the opportunity to open a Social Supermarket. Currently we have been exploring and visiting several projects and aim to develop a firm business plan moving forward in 2023.

National Lottery Award at last years AGM

GFA 25TH ANNIVERSARY The Association was involved with a range of media interviews regarding the anniversary; however, our Chairperson Marian Kane has been included in an exhibition at the Ulster Museum remembering a range of women and their contribution towards the Peace Process.

200 2 NEW dog poo boxes installed PEOPLE collected pack reported to of 10 dog bags 10 dog watcher

Dog Fouling We ran a campaign within the community against Dog Fouling, in partnership with Belfast City Council;

CONNTECTED FUTURES REPORT AMG REPORT

Benefits Delivered through the project

The Connected Futures Programme report covers the period from April 2022 to March 2023. The Ardoyne Association and our partners Ballysillan Community Forum and NBAP have remained committed to delivering and promoting positive outcomes which improve the lives of local people and enable the communities of North Belfast to thrive. Creating pathways to employability has been the core focus of the programmes and training. Our main traditional route to employment was through the Nursing Homes and Advice Centers. Now we have been able to diversify our pathway to employment through Autism training with Belfast Met. We have participants doing introductions and Level 2, this will help to prepare people to work as future special needs classroom assistants. This will allow parents with Autistic children to work while their child is in school and be available during school holidays.

----- Start of picture text -----
Number of Participants Welfare Workshop Number
Quarter Course number and Information
Gaining Qualification gaining new skills
----- End of picture text -----

6.OCN Level 2 Benefits
1 23 7.Basic Care Training 0
9.First Aid Accredited
1.Open university Access course
7.OCN Level 2 Benefits
2 12 16
5.Basic Care Training
22.First Aid Accredited
34.Autism Introduction Belfast Met
3 71 41
9.Learning Disability training
6.OCN Level 2 Benefits
11.Autism Introduction Belfast Met
4 55 28.Autism Level 2 Belfast Met 59
14.OCN Level 3 Benefits
2.Open university Access course
Total 161 116

STRAND 1 16 participants attended OCN Level 3, Certificate in Generalist Advice training which was delivered by the Law Centre. This training qualifies participants to seek employment within the Advice Sector. The participants come from across North Belfast and from 3 of the 5 main NBAP Advice Centres. Emma a participant said “I found the course to be resourceful and very enlightening. It was great to meet up with like-minded people who were enthusiastic about the training, knowing the outcome could give us a little more knowledge in order that we may signpost or be of guidance to others. It certainly rocketed my confidence and understanding, and I was quite lucky because I got employment out of it”

We held 3 introduction sessions to Universal Credit, practical workshops Involving UC Staff, Ardoyne Association staff, Law students from Ulster University & 40 clients registered online to learn more about UC

STRAND 2 We reached our target outcomes for the Nursing Care Training Programme. It is part of our commitment to support participants through their job search journey. We hosted a graduation ceremony for all to receive certificates. We have identified new pathways into employment as classroom assistances through our Autism Training. Many classroom assistants work with children who have special needs, and this training is one of the core requirements for classroom assistance. 45 individuals have completed level 1 the Awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions facilitated by Belfast Met.

28 individuals attended the 10 weeks Level 2 Autistic Spectrum Conditions again facilitated by Belfast Met. Participants came from Ballysillan, Ligoniel, Ballygomartin, Shankill Road, Ardoyne, Oldpark, Bone and beyond. One of the class wrote “Thank you so much Christine (Tutor) you’ve been brilliant from start to finish”

STRAND 3 We have 2 participants completing Open University Access Course. We had 31 participants participated in the BCF First Aid training programme. They receive their accredited First Aid certificates which are valid for 3 years. This strand received no funding, but it demonstrates the commitment of the community sector to enhance training and employability options for all our residents.

COMMUNITY CONTACT & ENGAGEMENT

During the period April 2022 to March 2023 we’ve had two Community Contact workers in post, they both worked very hard to build and develop relationships between the Street Reps, the Ardoyne Association, its Volunteers and Statutory Agencies. Their role involved building positive relationships, implementing clear lines of communication, community safety and crime prevention initiatives and to report on safer neighbourhood initiatives. Some of the statics are as follows;

over

2000 200 volunteer hours in received cost the last 12 months of living help

25 volunteers hosting street events

1,112 Street Reps/Volunteers have engaged in community renewal

40

volunteer Street Reps delivered leaflets and posters to highlight parking concerns

FINANCE REPORT

41 11 attended volunteers 90 welfare worked in Uniform volunteer workshops freecycle shop Street Reps delivered leaflets and posters for street reps involved dumping in St Patricks day and rubbish 70 street celebrations

41 11 attended volunteers welfare worked in Uniform workshops freecycle shop

5 new Street Reps with English as a second language

new reps from 10 new families in the community

Those who attended the welfare workshops and registered for the Universal Credit workshops, felt very relieved. 100% Agreed the event improved their knowledge of the work and services provided by the organisation. 89% Agreed that they have benefitted from taking part in the training.100% Agreed that they learnt something new from the training and 88% Agreed that felt taking part in this event has reduced stress, worry or anxiety.

Many Street Reps renewed their commitment to the service of their streets and the Association. We continue to seek new Street Reps especially for streets without representatives and we’ve managed to secure 5 new Street Reps with English as a second language and 10 new reps from new families in the community.

We hosted a welcome event for new families moving into the area, This good relations event was delivered in partnership with various Housing Associations , Youth Providers, Schools, Autism Groups, Welfare Rights and Community Groups. This information evening and a, “ getting to know the community” We identified organisations and facilities that were within walking distance of the area, we complied a directory and issued over 30 Information and Welcome Packs at the event.

Social Renewal – Safe Neighbourhoods

supported through 1 crime 10 prevention initiative 230 meetings residents engaged in held to deal community safety projects 5 with ASB 30

30 Street reps reported some sort of ASB

community safety surveys completed 60 in the area in partnership with CCRF

130 Fire safety devices supplied and installed to local residents homes.

MINUTES OF AGM 2022 Thursday 3rd November 2022 Venue: Flax Day Centre

AGM BUSINESS

WELCOME ADDRESS

The Chair Marian Kane welcomed and thanked those present for attending. She asked us to remember our previous Chair Colin Caruth who passed away only a few weeks ago. The Chair gave an overview of the work during 2021/2022. As always, we’ve had a very busy time since our last AGM. We’ve settled into our newly refurbished and extended premises in Etna Drive.

The Cost-of-Living crisis, people are now experiencing the highest rise in electric and gas prices ever, however, the Association is working to provide additional support to those in need, details of which are included in the annual report. We also continued with our extensive training and employability programmes, from our Connected Futures Programme to our newly launched NIHE Sustaining Tenancies programmes.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff, Street Reps, and volunteers who continue to do dedicated sterling work for the Association. I also want to thank all our funders. We continue to work closely with all statutory agencies, involved in the area and we’re also involved with ABC Trust in the development of the St Gemma’s site, the Flax shopping Centre and Brookfield Mill development.

The Association will be celebrating 50 years in existence next year, and for the occasion we are compiling a history project with founder members and look forward to publishing a book on our many achievements.

Finally, I have brilliant news to share, our Association has successfully obtained funding from the Lottery People and Places Programme to the value of half a million pounds. This funding allows us to sustain and secure our work over the next 5 years. The posts include 2 new full time advice workers and a full-time development officer.

Secretary Reports - Elaine gave those present time to read over the minutes of the 2021 AGM. It was agreed that the minutes were a true reflection of the previous AGM, and they were proposed by Paul Clarke and seconded by Carmel Holly. Minutes were signed off be the Chairperson Marian Kane.

Finance Report - Derek Browne the Association’s Accountant gave a comprehensive review of our accounts and supplied copies of the accounts for people to read. His examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. The Association’s bank balance is healthy with positive net assets. Income for the year was £340,000 and expenditure over the same period was £330,000. Derek thanked Claire for keeping excellent financial records. Chairperson signed off on the accounts.

Elections – No elections took place as no Board Members were stepping down.

Launch of Annual Report - Those present received the Annual Report and Elaine gave a short review of the report.

Kerr Property Developers - Elaine gave a brief update on the ongoing developments on behalf of Kerr Properties, who apologised for not attending the AGM because they were lock in negotiations with lawyers on the development of the Flax Centre and GP services. Elaine also spoke about the ongoing campaign to protect GP services within Ardoyne area which is vital to local infrastructure and economy.

Q & A - A discussion around progress on the opening of the Flax Street Gates took place. DOJ have indicated that the new gates will be operational for the opening of the Brookfield Mill development and the moving in of 70 new families. Discussion took place on the possible location and type of facilities to be built for the new GP Services, this should include a Day Centre, Alternative Therapies, Counselling services etc.

Nuala McKenna Voluntary & Community Division of DFC - Elaine introduced and welcomed Nuala McKenna of the Voluntary & Community Division of DFC and invited her to speak and give the AGM an update on Advice / Anti-poverty Strategy especially now in this ‘Cost-of- Living’ crisis.

Nuala introduced her role as lead for the advice side within the ‘Financial inclusion Team’ and the DFC provides funding through our local goverment partners for the provision of independent, community-based advice services, including representation for social security appeals and help with problem debt. She was aware of how vital the independent advice sector is to the communities in which they serve, and the difference the work of the Ardoyne Association makes to people’s lives and the impact it makes within the local community.

The Department is currently undertaking a refresh of the overall policy framework for our support to the Community & Voluntary Sector. The Department is currently engaging with stakeholders, Councils, regional and sub-regional advice services to consider how best to support advice provision in each Council area. This engagement is important to ensure all voices are heard.

Nuala concluded her presentation by presenting OCN Level 2 Certificates to several participants in our benefit training programme.

Launch of Lottery Funded 5-year Programme - Seamus McKenna sent apologies for not being able to attend the AGM to Launch the new 5-year lottery Funded programme with the Ardoyne Association. Elaine spoke of how important this funding was to help the Association.

AOB - No other business was discussed.

Closing Remarks

The Chairperson Marian Kane thanked the Lottery for their funding and looked forward to a working partnership with the Ardoyne Association, she also thanked Derek (accountant), Nuala McKenna of DFC, and Elaine and her team for all their work and commitment to the Association. Finally, she thanked all those who attended and contributed to the AGM and those who received their certificates and welcomed them to volunteer with Association.

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS. We couldn’t do the our work without their help

FR MYLES

The Ardoyne Association would like to pay tribute, recognition & thanks to our Honorary President, Fr Myles, he is a great Visionary and we thank him for his Dedication and Commitment to the, reconciliation of a divided community through economic and social development, bringing peace to both communities, one person and one job at a time.

BOARD MEMBERS 2022/23

Marian Kane - Chairperson Una Mc Roberts - Secretary Marie Coleman - Treasurer

Joe Blair Nuala Kane Sinead Mc Kinley

Carmel Holly Marie O’Neill

STAFF MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS

Elaine Burns Centre Manager and Advice Worker

Laura Ward Advice Worker

Niamh Burns Advice Worker

Kevin McGarry Training and Community Development Co Ordinator

Conal Matthews Admin & Reception

Conor Lawlor Strategic Planning & Community Contact

Gemma Mulholland Community Contact Worker

Claire Kelly Finance Officer and Advice Worker

Maeve Murphy Advice Volunteer Marian Kane Advice Volunteer

Danielle Fisher Community Larder Volunteer Alisha Varndell Community Larder Volunteer Jennifer McGinley Community Larder Volunteer Shauna Gargan Advice Worker

Emma Mc Meekin Advice Worker Rebecca Mc Allister Reception Volunteer

Ardoyne Association

111 Etna Drive Belfast BT14 7NN

T: (028) 9071 5165