Charity number: NIC100554
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Trustees' report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent examiners' report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 - 12 |
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Legal and administrative information
| Charity number | NIC100554 |
|---|---|
| Business address | 4F Lancer Buildings |
| Gortrush Industrial Estate | |
| Omagh | |
| Co Tyrone | |
| BT78 5EJ | |
| Trustees | |
| Stanley McCombe | |
| Michael Gallagher | |
| Clive McCombe | |
| Patsy Gallagher | |
| Tony O’Connor | |
| Margaret Breslin | |
| David Wilkinson | |
| Secretary | Patsy Gallagher |
| Accountants | O'Donnell & Mellon |
| 19/21 Castle Street | |
| Omagh | |
| Co Tyrone | |
| Bankers | Bank of Ireland |
| Campsie | |
| Omagh | |
| Co Tyrone |
Page 1
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees who served during the year are detailed below.
Structure, governance and management
Michael Gallagher Chairperson Clive McCombe Vice Chairperson Patsy Gallagher Secretary Stanley McCombe Treasurer
Margaret Breslin Tony O’Connor David Wilkinson
Objectives and activities
Omagh Support and Self Help Group was set-up by the survivors of the 1998 bomb and has been serving the people of Omagh and further afield ever since. The charity provides services in three main areas:
-
" to support the well-being of victims of terrorism and to improve our quality of life
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" to support the involvement of victims of terrorism in our community
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" to tell the story of Omagh, our people and our experiences before, during and since the bomb in August 1998.
Our main focus area centres around truth and justice. Advocating and supporting those who wish to pursue these goals and get the answers they rightly deserve into the circumstances surrounding the death of their loved ones. We also provide a welfare advice service to support those accessing benefits and maximising income potential. Supporting those who wish to apply for the new disablement government payment and advocating for those who do not qualify.
Achievements and performance
Page 2
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Support Group during this period streamlined its services focusing on the Statutory Public Inquiry and advocating directly for Victims and Survivors. Acknowledgement, dignity Respect and Truth & Justice remain our values and Ethos.
The Inquiry began formally in February 2024, when the Government issued its Terms of Reference. However, in the lead up to this event, Omagh Support Group were actively engaged from the announcement by the Secretary of State on 2nd February 2023. We connected with stakeholders across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, UK and Spain. Supporting those who have been most affected by this terrible atrocity in understanding the process of the Inquiry and the importance of their engagement. In seeking their views, we worked closely with the Inquiry management team to take a trauma informed approach and remained a source of expertise. We participated in the formulation of the terms of reference and liaised with the Irish Republic department of Justice in relation to their commitment to the Inquiry. The Group undertook an extensive paper review of material relevant to the inquiry. Thousands of soft and hard copy material were examined with extractions, redacted and presented to our legal team.
This year also marked the 20th anniversary of the Madrid bombing. We participated in preparation and planning towards the event which took place in Madrid on 10th March 2024 with the King of Spain in attendance. We continue to remember all victims of terrorist activity at home and around the world.
Advocating and supporting those who are vulnerable and living in financial austerity has also remained a priority. Proving form filing and advocate service to those living on welfare benefits or incapacitated is a social justice issue in promoting anti-oppressive practice.
Plans for future periods
Going into the year ahead, we will continue to focus on our priorities and provide high quality support to our Community
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
Page 3
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 They also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees' have had regard to the Commission's Public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
On behalf of the board
Patsy Gallagher Secretary
Charity Number: NIC100554
4F Lancer Buildings Gortrush Industrial Buildings Omagh
Page 4
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Independent examiner's report to the charity trustees of Omagh Support & Self Help Group.
I report on the accounts of Omagh Support & Self Help Group for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 2 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
-
That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
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That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
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That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
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That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
Brian Mellon F.C.C.A. Independent examiner 19/21 Castle Street Omagh Co Tyrone
BT78 1DD
Page 5
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 March 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Income from Charitable activities 2 160 15,640 Investments 4 274 - Total income and endowments 434 15,640 Expenditure on Charitable activities 5 5,093 15,640 Other 6 4,718 Total resources expended 9,811 15,640 Net income/(expenditure) ) (9,377 - Other Prior year adjustments - - Net movement in funds ) (9,377 - Total funds brought forward 28,718 7,657 Net movement in funds 19,341 7,657 |
2024 Total £ 15,800 274 16,074 20,733 4,718 25,451 ) (9,377 - ) (9,377 36,375 26,998 |
2023 Total £ 13,870 39 13,909 25,535 5,737 31,272 ) (17,363 ) (1,846 ) (19,209 55,584 36,375 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 6
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Net assets Funds Restricted income funds Unrestricted income funds Total funds |
2024 £ £ 17,931 17,286 17,286 ) (8,219 9,067 26,998 7,657 19,341 26,998 |
2023 £ £ 22,413 24,412 24,412 ) (10,450 13,962 36,375 7,657 28,718 36,375 |
2023 £ £ 22,413 24,412 24,412 ) (10,450 13,962 36,375 7,657 28,718 36,375 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36,375 | |||
| 7,657 28,718 |
|||
| 36,375 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on and signed on its behalf by
Michael Gallagher Trustee
Clive McCombe Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.
1.1. Basis of accounting
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (FRS 102), the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and The Charities (Accounts and Reports Regulations (Northern Ireland)
The trustees consider that there is no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
1.2. Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.
Gifts donated for resale are included as incoming resources within activities for generating funds when they are sold.
Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are receivable.
Income from investments is included in the year in which it is receivable.
1.3. Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes including the charity's shop.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Page 8
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
1.4. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
- Fixtures, fittings and equipment 25% straight line
2. Income from Charitable activities
| Income from Charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Restricted funds £ Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund 14,563 Halifax foundation 1,077 15,640 |
2024 Total £ 14,563 1,077 15,640 |
2023 Total £ 13,870 - |
| 13,870 |
3. Other income
| Other income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds £ Flowers 160 160 |
2024 Total £ 160 160 |
2023 Total £ - |
| - |
4. Investment income
| Investment income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Ireland Business Reserve | 2024 Total £ 274 274 |
2023 Total £ 39 |
| 39 |
Page 9
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 5. Costs of charitable activities Activities undertaken directly £ Charitable activities 1,004 Support Costs 2,667 Governance costs 1,422 5,093 Charitable activities £ Dept. of foreign affairs -core operational costs 9,000 Halifax - running costs Travel costs Volunteer/members expenses Anniversary service 1,004 BBQ event - EU event - Victims' event London - Student group - Rent Light & heat Water rates Office expenses Accountancy Trustees expenses Trustees meetings 10,004 |
Grant funding £ 9,000 6,640 15,640 Support Governance £ £ 5,563 1,077 420 - 2,017 547 235 542 1,005 292 125 9,307 1,422 |
2024 Total £ 10,004 9,307 1,422 20,733 2024 Total £ 14,563 1,077 420 - 1,004 - - - - 2,017 547 235 542 1,005 292 125 20,733 |
2023 Total £ 10,921 11,941 2,673 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25,535 | |||
| 2023 Total £ 13,870 - 192 3,090 532 891 92 900 143 1,293 28 316 1,515 1,002 996 675 |
|||
| 25,535 |
6. Other resources expended
| Unrestricted funds £ Bank charges 236 Depreciation & impairment 4,482 4,718 |
2024 Total £ 236 4,482 4,718 |
2023 Total £ 134 5,603 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,737 |
Page 10
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 7. Employees Employment costs Wages and salaries No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2023 : None). No trustees were paid a remuneration during the year. |
2024 £ - |
2023 £ - |
|---|---|---|
Number of employees
| The average monthly numbers of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full time | equivalents, was as follows: |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 |
| Number | Number |
| - | - |
| 7.1. | Trustees' expenses | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The charity paid total expenses of £292 for two trustees in the year. The | expenses paid related to properly | |||||
| approved costs incurred by the trustees relating to their work with the charity. | ||||||
| Fixtures, | ||||||
| 8. | Tangible fixed assets | fittings and | ||||
| equipment | Total | |||||
| £ | £ | |||||
| Cost | ||||||
| At 1 April 2023 and | ||||||
| At 31 March 2024 | 28,016 | 28,016 | ||||
| Depreciation | ||||||
| At 1 April 2023 | 5,603 | 5,603 | ||||
| Charge for the year | 4,482 | 4,482 | ||||
| At 31 March 2024 | 10,085 | 10,085 | ||||
| Net book values | ||||||
| At 31 March 2024 | 17,931 | 17,931 | ||||
| At 31 March 2023 | 22,413 | 22,413 |
Page 11
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Halifax foundation Dept. of Foreign Affairs VISA Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 1 - 6,381 59 1,778 8,219 |
2023 £ 6,525 1,077 73 - 2,775 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,450 |
Page 12