Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a share capltall TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 The Trustees present their report along with the finanaal slalements for the year ended 30th June 2022. The financial slalements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the company's Articles of Association. the Companies Act 2006, Part 8 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. other applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practi (SORP). FRS102 and with the financial reporting standards applicable to charities preparing their accounts. The Iruslees, who are also the directors of the charity, at the dale of this report and those who served during Ihe financial year together with the dates of any changes are set out on page 3 and are listed below. The charitable company is limited by guarantee not having a share capital. Principal Risks and Uncertainties A summary of these risks would include VSS funding being now on a yearly basis due to a lack of political leadership, an ever-increasing workload for both volunteers and Board membets. MUVE plan lo mitigate these risks Ihrough implementing and continuously monitoring our reseNes policy. increasing our allocation of Board members, providing govemance training, and updating our volunteers and more specific training based on their skills and abilities. We have always sourced other streams of funding. which has been successfvl over this past 12 months. The directors have conducted a review of the major risks to which the company is exposed. Appropriate systems and inlemal controls are in place throughout the company's prO$se$ and prOdureS lo provide clear accountability and to mitigate those risks which the company faces. The company seeks to maintain high standards in the management of risk and the processes in place are reviewed annually to ensure their relevance. Equality The company is fully committed to its equality responsibilities and lo provide fair and unprejudiced treatment for all. Tru$tee$ The trustees who served during Ihe year are as follows.. Mr Ryan McGeown Chairman Mr Hugh Gates Vice-chairman Mrs Judith McGeown Mr Geoffrey Hamilton Mrs Serena Hamilton Secretary Mr Alister Robinson Mr Jeffery Lamont Mrs Audrey Brodison Mr Billy Fuhl Mr Jason Lamont Mr Glen Espie Mr Derek Noonan Treasurer In accordance with the Constitution. the trustees retire by rotalion and. being eligible. offer themselves for -electIOn.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Objectives The Company's objectives are specifically reslricted lo the relief of poverty. the advancement of education. the preservation and protection of health, the promotion of equality and diversity and the promotion of the benefit of the victims and survivors of paramilitary violence and terrorism and other inhabitanls of local communities {'hereinafter called the beneficiaries'l in particularly, bul not exclusively from the Mid Ulster Constituency and its environs in Counties TyronelLondonderry, Northern Ireland {hereinafter called 'lhe area of benefit'l without distinction of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation. nationality. ethnic identity. political or religious opinion, by associating with the stalulory authorilies, community and voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to advance education. to advocate, promote and foster a community spirit in favour of equality and diversity and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure-lime occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitants. The group aims.. To foster an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement among people suffering from the effects of bereavement, injury or trauma as a direct or indirect result of the conflict around benefit, and their relatives, and people in communilies so affected. To assist individuals and families affected by the conflict to address their own personal experiences of hurt. loss and trauma by communicating their experiences- lo support those seeking truth, justice and public acknowledgement of what has happened. and provide opportunities for remembrance and mourning. To alleviate suffering and trauma by the provision of a drop-in facility offering emotional support and counselling services to individuals in need. To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of the area of benefit in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society. To advance education and raise public awareness of Ihe effe¢ls of the conflict and sectarian Violen around benefit on individuals and communities- To positively promote the interests of innocent victims and survivors within the Mid Ulster area To provide services, advice and support lo both individuals and the group as a whole to promote the members well-being while they deal with consequences of terrorism. To provide services directly or indirectly that recognises and addresses the individual's needs including welfare. advocacy, complementary therapies, counselling, Irans-generational issues. and social support. Public Benefit Statement In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit lo ensure activities have helped lo achieve the charity's purpose and provide a benefit lo the beneficiaries. The prevention and relief of poverty: The public benefit flowing from this purpose is improved quality of life as a result of availing of a variety of welfare services. benefrts advice and advocacy services through funding and grants. The inclusion of skills-based training programmes and the work of our Health and Wellbeing Caseworker also contributes towards this objective. The Public benefit achieved via this is Ihal leve15 of financialleconomic deprivation faced by viclimslsurvivors is reduced The Advancement of Education: The public benefit flowing from this purpose is the development of new skills., improved educational standards., improved educational and career opportunities.. building individual and collective capacity to leam and understand through educational classes and workshops with a view to progressing lo higher education as well as the 8CqUlSltion of a variety of higher level educational attainments and competencies,. improved sense of worth as volunteers and enhanced career opportunities for individuals. The benefits are demonstrated through the acquisition of qualifications. attainment of certifirAtes and completion of higher-level courses.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a sharè capltall TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 The advancement of health: The public benefit which flows from this purpose is improved health and well-being- less stressful lifestyles., reduced addidions-, a healthier outlook on life in general and the reintegration of peisons into the community showing a positive attitude towards others through the provision of counselling. complemenlary therapies, slress management and health and wellbeing services. All of MUVE'S programmes and services are delivered with the promotion of positive health and wellbeing at their heart, and the wellbeing of the individual. The public benefit achieved is the facilitation of viclimslsurvivors lo become happier, heallhier and more fulfilled citizens. The advancement of the arts. culture. heritsge or science. Through the provision of arts and craft courses. seminars. memory quilt project, etc. The organisation also offers a wide variety of cultural-themed interventions connecling with key dates in Ihe year such as Burns Night etc. The Public benefit obtained is the increased capacity of viclimslsurvivors and the wider community whereby they have an appreciation for the divergence of cultures which comprise in Northem Ireland. Ultimately this has a knock-on benefit for the objective of building Peace within this Society. The advancement of human rights. ¢onflict resolution or reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial hannony or equallty and diversity: An aspect of MUVE'S work is the furtherance of the human rights of the innocent victims and survivors of terrorism and other (Troubles related violence., MUVE pursues opportunities to have issues raised through consullalions, etc. in support of those lo which it primarily affects. MUVE operates an Advocacy Support Service. enables victirnslsurvivors to share Iheir testimony, tell their stories in a public setting and the production of booklet for the memory quill. The public benefit obtained is that a historically marginalised group of victimslsurvivors are supported in having their rights represented and furthered, reducing social inequalities. Through providing Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation-based Programmes there is also a subslantive public benefit for victims1suIvOrS and the wider community in the furtherance of a peaceful and more cohesive society. The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability. financial hardship or other disadvantages. MUVE strives lo work in meeting the requirements of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act i.e. supporting under-represented groups and has developed a range of initiatives to support such affected individuals. The organisation has a range of youth. older people. disability-based supports and interventions in operation. The groups support of those who are vulnerable, isolated, marginalised and who have often eXperIend profound acts of injuslice. As well as supporting its, core beneficiary constituency MUVE also has supported members of the broader community, thus contributing towards the building of a resilient and resourced community. The Public benefit is Ihe promotion of soaal inclusion and the increased involvement of underrepresented groups which in lum has the impact of increasing levels of active citizenship. There is no private benefit or harm from the purposes. A¢hievements and performance In 2022123 the group worked to achieving positive outcomes for innocent victim5 and survivors, focusing on the following areas.. Health and well-being services During the year South Easl Fermanagh Foundation ISEFFI. continued to deliver the following services - counselling, complimentary therapies. advocacy support. welfare I benefits advice and the provision of a health and well-being caseworker lo provide support and assistance to our members. Counselling targets were exceeded, and during the year addilion SeN1 was provided to meet the increased demand for the service. In addition to breaking social exclusion and stigma. we aim to provide a friendly face and a sympathetic ear. MUVE employ a health and well-being worker which provides support to MUVE'S core membership. We have $el up a telephones support line which has been very successful with over 400 contacts. The weekly health and wellbeing support Servi has also enjoyed growth with vulnerable members accessing the service from across Mid Ulster- we have The Chatterbox club who have people who are isolated meet regularly. We have achieved our targets in lemis of complementary therapies.. as usual we allocated therapies on a quarterly basis with an excellent uptake. Victims and survivors often report to us Ihe benefits of the therapies in relieving stress and anxiety as well as assisting with pain management. These benefits are caplured and are reported back to our core funders.. The Victims and Survivors SeTViCe.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company Ilmitèd by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Coffee momings continue to be popular with good attendances covering 811 manner ol health, educational, welfare and other issues of related interest. We also held a Christmas luncheon and this was very popular, in particular people who are elderly. live on their own, are lonely and isolated, they report that the luncheon was the only social event they attend and they appreciate the opportunity to socialise and to get a hot meal provided for them. For isolated members MUVE has provided a hol meal Ihal was delivered to their home. WELFARE SUPPORT The numbers of members who avail of the welfare support service are also steady with a continued increase in the number of people requesting support with Personal Independent Payment IPIP, TPDPSI applications. In addition there has been a significant increase in the number of members requiring Appeals Tribunal Representation. lan Irwin ISEFF) continues to support members wilh advocacy and legacy support on a weekly basis. SOCIAL SUPPORT Walking group- We have started a walking group which is split into 2 tiers. AdVand and beginners. The adVand walkers cover approximately 5- 10 miles of hard terrain which is beneficial for their mental health. The beginners will do less than a mile in a pathed area finishing wilh a hol cup of lea. This group is more social than exercise. MENIHEN SHED - The shed provides a safe space for members to leam and develop new and old skills. We have manged to include local school and youth services within the shed. The shed is utilised five days a week and two evenings. In terms of classes and courses we delivered a wide variety of courses across the financial year induding.. arts and craft classes, woodworking courses. fishing and metal detection groups. These courses will support participants in volunleering capacities within the wider work of MUVE. This will provide additional education for a wider range of arts and craft courses in the future. In relation to transgenerational, the following was delivered.. adventure weekend to Newcastle, Hallow'een event. Chrislmas-themed aclivilies, which are always extremely popular. (We are Vertigo- Gaming Bus- Belfasl Giants- Airsoft- Splash)- RESPITE We delivered a number of respite day trips which included Mounl Stewart, Irish War Museum, Portrush Boat Cruise, family fishing day and 3 spa days which catered for approximately 450 participants in total. Meanwhile there was 2 overnight respites breaks which included Enniskillen and Portlush and one activity weekend lo Newcastle. In addition, there were several social events which induded Burns Night, storytelling, Queens Jubilee Event, Murder Mystery Night and a Halloween event which provided a social outlet and a night's entertainment.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project {MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Truth, Justice and Acknowledgement 1 Oth Anniversary service- MUVE Wreath Laying- November 22 Memory Quilt (on-going) With Ihese initiatives supported those soaally isolated and who would have difficulty going on private holidays due to economic hardship due to the rise in the cost of living. The mainstay of our service remains our volunteers who provide advi and distribute information leaflets. In the year under review over 2,800 volunteer hours were donated and over 1,500 newsletters were distributed lo members. Over 590 members availed of the weekly texting Se1, thus ensuring that members were kept well informed of the various events and servIs. We are pleased that by working with our partners SEFF. VSS. Covenant, UDR Aftercare Service. Northem Trust- Health & Well-Being Team, Combat Stress, Mid Ulster Council Community Relations Officer. Veterans Champion, Veteran Commissioner Office, NIVSO (Liz Brown), Defence Garden Scheme and Veterans Foundation we have been able to assist some of the most isolaled and deprived members in the victim's sector within the Mid Ulster Council area. There was a total of 3506 interventions during the year across all services and activities. a significanl increase on the projected 2184 agreed target on our delivery plan. with our core funder VSS.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Principal Funding Sources The principal funding sources for Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment are currently by way of grant and contract income Funding Victims and Sun4ivors Service Armed Forces Covenant Trust Community Development & Health Network Asda Community Foundation Cookstown & Western Shores Network Veterans Foundation The national lottery Communlty Fund Acknowledgements All the work would not be possible wtlhout the support of our major funders the Victims and SuTvivof5 Service. We thank the VSS slaff for their continued support and assistance. The group also appreciates the continued support from the other funders. This has enabled us to expand our services and help address some of Ihe issues that our members face on a daily basis, mainly mental heallh and well-being. The group would also like to express their sincere appreciation to all the individualslconsullanls who liaise on a regular basis and especially for the support offered.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Financial Review Financial performance in the year to 31st March 2023. has been consistent with the trustee's forecasts and expectations. Restr¢cled reserves amounting to £41.030 and unrestricted reserves amounting to £55.739 Resenies Policy The Directors recognise the need for unrestricted reserves lo be maintsined at an appropriate level. MUVE'S reserves policy is to maintain a sufficient level of reserves to enable operating actwities to be maintained, taking account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time. The policy is reviewed annually by the Directors. The policy identifies the estimated amounts required to meet financial risk associated with potential conlingencies and uncertainties relating to the charity's operating activities. These include: the provision for an orderly winding-down of operations in the event of a significant adverse event that is outside the control of the charity. the funding of unforeseen major projects that have not been provided for in the normal financial planning prOss. Elements of the larget figure will include the costs for redundancy and conlraclual liabililies for such ilems as rent of offices. The total for this is expected to be approximately £32.000. The committee have agreed how surplu5 funds beyond the amount to be held in reserve could be used for the benefil of the project. It was agreed that surplus funds could be used as follows- to give financial support to existing activities if required to give financial support the assist the development of new activities and seNices to purchase additional equipment for the benefit of the project and l or replace existing equipment if required to make minor improvernenls lo the office space to make il a more welcoming environment to promote the project through printing of poslers and leaflets and the development of a community centre website to support training needs of volunteerfs I committee members to support volunteers through provision of volunteer expenses for travel and associated costs to employ members of staff to work for the charity to enable it to meet its legal requirements. to provide additional support for project volunteer51 committee members and lo bring additional aclivilies and services into the projecl. The committee will consider on a regular basis the levels of funding Ihat it holds and how this funding can be used to benefit the project and its associated activities and services. 10
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) {A company limited by guarant80, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Structure. Governance and Management The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, having been incorporated on 14 May 2013. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Article of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Corporate Governance The company is committed to the principles of Corporate G0veman. and through the development of various manuals, will Captu all internal and external processes and procedures. The detailing of the company's activities in this way will ensure we follow best practice guidelines and demonstrate appropriate openness, transparency. and accounlability in all our business activities. Embracing Corporale Govemance ensures that as an organisation we adhere to the highest standards of inlegrily in carrying out our business and managing our finances. The company is fully aware of its responsibilities and the need for accountability, particularly in relation to the management of public money. As a group set up to represent victims ol paramilitary violence and terrorism, il is important th81 such an organisation exists lo give support to those affected by the Troubles. The MUVE project is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. The group has a project worker and offers support and advice on a range of issues such as welfare and counselling and includes a drop-in facility as well as providing social events for ils members. The company has a board of directors of 13 members who meet regularly and are responsible for the slrategic direction and policy of the projed. All services are offered to victims and sutvivors of Irouble-relaled violence. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. They are only reimbursed for charitable expenses. 11
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a share capltal) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the trustees as the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under charilable company law the trustees must not approve the financial ststements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net income or expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Iwslees are required to= select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent- slate whether the Charities SORP (effective January 2015) in accordan with FRS 102 has been followed-, prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are sponsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial position of the charity and to enable thern to ensure that the financial statements comply with. and all Regulations to be construed as one with that Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Trustees. declaration on unaudited financial statements In relation to the financial statements comprising the Slalement of Financial Activities. the Balance Sheel, the Accounting policies, applying them consistently and making, on a reasonable and prudent basis, the judgement's underlying them. The have been prepared in the going concern basis on the grounds that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees confirm that have made available to R T J Ross & Co. Chartered Accountants, all the charity's accounting records and provided all the information, books and documents necessary for the compilation of the financial statements. The trustees confirm that to the best of their knowledge and belief, the accounting records reflecl all the transactions of Ihe charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. Special provisions relating to small ¢ompanies The above report has been PrePad in accordance with the special provisions relating lo small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees, annual report was approved on the 10 January 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by.. By order of the Board Ryan McGeo ustee Mr Jeffery Lamont Trustee 12