Charity number: NIC100554
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Trustees' report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2025
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 2025
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 established by survivors and families affected by the Omagh bombing of August 1998. The organisation continues to support victims and survivors locally and further afield and remains committed to improving their wellbeing, representation and quality of life.
The charity's objectives are:
-To support the wellbeing of victims and survivors of terrorism and improve their quality of life.
-To support the participation and representation of victims and survivors within their communities.
-To document and share the experiences of the people of Omagh before, during and since the bombing in August 1998.
A central focus of the organisation's work is the pursuit of truth and justice. The Group continues to advocate on behalf of victims and survivors seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones and provides support to those engaging with legal and investigative processes related to the Omagh bombing.
The organisation also provides welfare advice and advocacy services to assist victims and survivors in accessing benefits and maximising their income. This includes support with disability-related payments and advocacy for individuals who encounter barriers when accessing financial support.
In addition, the Group maintains a community hub and safe shared space where victims and survivors can meet, engage in dialogue and access support services in a supportive and accessible environment
Achievements and performance
Page 2
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025
During the reporting period the Support Group continued to deliver its core services to victims and survivors while supporting engagement with the ongoing statutory inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing. The organisation provided practical assistance, advocacy and representation to families and survivors engaging with the inquiry process, helping individuals navigate complex procedures and ensuring their voices and experiences are appropriately represented.
The Group continued to deliver one-to-one welfare advice and advocacy, assisting individuals in accessing benefits and other financial supports. This service has been particularly important for victims and survivors who require guidance in navigating complex welfare systems.
Throughout the year the organisation maintained its community hub as a safe and accessible space for meetings, peer support and community engagement. The facilities enabled the Group to host gatherings, discussions and commemorative activities which support victims and survivors and encourage constructive dialogue within the community.
The organisation also continued to engage with European and international partners, contributing to discussions on reconciliation, peacebuilding and the role of victims and survivors in preventing violent extremism. These engagements help ensure that the experiences of victims and survivors from Omagh continue to inform wider international dialogue.
The trustees believe that the work undertaken during the year has strengthened support for victims and survivors and ensured their voices remain central to ongoing processes affecting the community.
Plans for future periods
Looking ahead, the trustees intend to continue supporting victims and survivors through the ongoing public inquiry into the Omagh bombing, ensuring that those affected are supported, informed and able to engage effectively with the process.
The organisation will continue to provide welfare advice and advocacy services to assist victims and survivors in accessing financial supports and improving their wellbeing. Maintaining the community hub as a safe and accessible space for engagement and support will remain a key priority.
The Group also plans to continue its engagement with national, cross-border and international partners to promote the voices and experiences of victims and survivors, contribute to discussions on reconciliation and peacebuilding, and share learning from the Omagh experience.
The trustees remain committed to ensuring that the organisation continues to respond to the evolving needs of victims and survivors while promoting truth, justice and remembrance for those affected by the events of August 1998.
Page 3
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025
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:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
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.
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 29 April 2026
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 2025 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:
-
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:
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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
29 April 2026
Page 5
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Income from Charitable activities 2 - 20,400 Investments 3 200 - Total income and endowments 200 20,400 Expenditure on Charitable activities 4 3,584 20,401 Other 5 3,745 Total resources expended 7,329 20,401 Net income/(expenditure) ) (7,129 ) (1 Total funds brought forward 19,341 7,657 Net movement in funds 12,212 7,656 |
2025 Total £ 20,400 200 20,600 23,985 3,745 27,730 ) (7,130 26,998 19,868 |
2024 Total £ 15,800 274 16,074 20,733 4,718 25,451 ) (9,377 36,375 26,998 |
|---|---|---|
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 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 8 Net current assets Net assets Funds Restricted income funds Unrestricted income funds Total funds |
2025 £ £ 14,345 16,093 16,093 ) (10,569 5,524 19,869 7,657 12,212 19,869 |
2024 £ £ 17,931 17,286 17,286 ) (8,219 9,067 26,998 7,657 19,341 26,998 |
2024 £ £ 17,931 17,286 17,286 ) (8,219 9,067 26,998 7,657 19,341 26,998 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26,998 | |||
| 7,657 19,341 |
|||
| 26,998 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 29 April 2026 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 2025
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 2025
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 20% Reducing balance
2. Income from Charitable activities
| Income from Charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Restricted funds £ Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund 20,400 Halifax foundation - 20,400 |
2025 Total £ 20,400 - 20,400 |
2024 Total £ 14,563 1,077 |
| 15,640 |
3. Investment income
| Investment income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Ireland Business Reserve | 2025 Total £ 200 200 |
2024 Total £ 274 |
| 274 |
Page 9
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 4. Costs of charitable activities Activities undertaken directly £ Charitable activities - Support Costs 1,970 Governance costs 1,614 3,584 Charitable activities £ Dept. of foreign affairs -core operational costs 12,000 Halifax - running costs Travel costs Anniversary service - Rent Light & heat Water rates Office expenses Accountancy Trustees expenses Trustees meetings 12,000 |
Grant funding £ 12,000 8,400 20,400 Support Governance £ £ 8,400 503 - 777 204 486 1,535 79 - 10,370 1,614 |
2025 Total £ 12,000 10,370 1,614 23,984 2025 Total £ 20,400 - 503 - - 777 204 486 1,535 79 - 23,984 |
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 |
5. Other resources expended
| Unrestricted funds £ Bank charges 159 Depreciation & impairment 3,586 3,745 |
2025 Total £ 159 3,586 3,745 |
2024 Total £ 236 4,482 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,718 |
Page 10
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 6. Employees Employment costs Wages and salaries No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2024 : None). No trustees were paid a remuneration during the year. |
2025 £ - |
2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|
Number of employees
| The average monthly numbers of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full time | equivalents, was as follows: |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
| Number | Number |
| - | - |
| 6.1. | Trustees' expenses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The charity paid total expenses of £79 for one trustee in the year. The expenses | paid related to properly | ||||
| approved costs incurred by the trustees relating to their work with the charity. | |||||
| Fixtures, | |||||
| 7. | Tangible fixed assets | fittings and | |||
| equipment | Total | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Cost | |||||
| At 1 April 2024 and | |||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 28,016 | 28,016 | |||
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 10,085 | 10,085 | |||
| Charge for the year | 3,586 | 3,586 | |||
| At 31 March 2025 | 13,671 | 13,671 | |||
| Net book values | |||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 14,345 | 14,345 | |||
| At 31 March 2024 | 17,931 | 17,931 |
The charity paid total expenses of £79 for one trustee in the year. The expenses paid related to properly approved costs incurred by the trustees relating to their work with the charity.
Page 11
Omagh Support & Self Help Group
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 8. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Halifax foundation Dept. of Foreign Affairs VISA Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 1 - 6,503 753 3,312 10,569 |
2024 £ 1 - 6,381 59 1,778 |
|---|---|---|
| 8,219 |
Page 12