Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guaranteè. not havlng a share capltall TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements for the year ended 30th March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordan with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial statemenls 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 requiremenls of the Statement of Recommended Practi {SORP), FRS102 and with the financial reporting standards applicable to charities preparing their accounts. The tnjstees, who are also the directors of Ihe charity, al the dale of this report and those who served during the 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. Prlnclpal 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 members. MUVE plan to mitigate these risks through implementing and continuously monitoring our reserves policy, increasing our allocation of Board members, providing governance 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 successful over this past 12 months. The directors have conducted a review of the major risks lo which the company is exposed. Appropriate systems and internal controls are in place throughout the company's processes and procedures to 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 pla are reviewed annually to ensure their relevance. Equality The company is fully committed to its equality responsibilities and to provide fair and unprejudiced treatment for all. Trustees The trustees who served during the year are as follows= Mr Ryan McGeown Chaiman Mr Hugh Gates Vice-chairman Mrs Judith McGeown Mr Geoffrey Hamilton Mrs Serena Hamilton Secretary Mr Alisler Robinson Mr Jeffery Lamont Treasurer Mrs Audrey Brodison Mr Billy Fuhl Mr Jason Lamont Mr Glen Espie Mr Derek Noonan Mr Ivor Faulkner Miss Marlene Gibson In accordance with the Constitution, the trustees retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for r&election.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not havlng a share capital) TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives The Company's objecttves are specifically restricted 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 benefil of the victims and survivors of paramililary violence and terrorism and other inhabitant5 of local communities {'hereinafter called the beneficiaries'l in particularly, but not exclusively from the Mid Ulster Constituency and ils environs in Counties TyronelLondonderry, Northem Ireland {hereinafter called 'the area of benefit,) without distinction of age, gender, disability, sexual orientalion, nationality, ethnic identity, polilical or religious opinion, by associating with the statutory authorities, community and voluntary organisalions and the inhabitants in a common effort to advan education, lo advocate. promote and foster a community spirst in favour of equality and diversity and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure-time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitanls. The group aims.. To foster an atmosphere of mutual SLEPPOrt and encouragemenl 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 communities so afferted. To assist individuals and families affected by Ihe conflict to address their own personal experiences of hurt, loss and trauma by communicating their experiences. to support those seeking truth. juslice and public aGknowledgemenl of what has happened. and provide opportunities for remembrance and mouming. 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 belter able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participale more fvlly in society. To advance education and raise public awareness of the effects of the Conflict and Sectarian violence around benefit on individuals and communities., To positively promote the interests of innocent victims and survivors within Ihe Mid Ulster area To provide services, advice and support to 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, complemenlary therapies, counselling, trans-generational issues, and social support. Public Benefit statsment 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 to ensure activities have helped to achieve the charity's purpose and provide a benefil to Ihe beneficiaries. The prevention and relief of poverty: The public benefit flowing from this purpose is improved quality of life as result of availing of a variety of welfare seNices, benefits advice and advocacy services through funding and granls. 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 that levels of financialleconomic deprivation faced by victims1suIvOrS 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 èducalional classes and workshops with a view to progressing to higher education as well as the acquisition of a variety of higher 5evel 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 certificates and completion of higher-level courses.
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 2024 The advancement of health: The public benefit which flows from this purpose is improved health and well-being; less stressful lifestyles., reduced addictions., a healthier outlook on life in general and the reintegration of persons into the community showing a positive attitude towards others through the provision of counselling, complementary Iherapies, stress management and health and wellbeing services. All of MUVE'S programmes and setvices 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 facililalion of victimslsutvivors to become happier, healthier and more fulfilled citizens. The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or sclence. Through the provision of arts and craft courses, seminars, memory quilt project, etc. The organisation also offers a wide variety of cultural-lhemed inteNentions connecting with key dates in the year such as Bums Night etc. The Public benefit obtained is the increased capacity of viclimslsurvivors and the widef community whereby they have an appreciation for the divergence of cultures which comprise in Northem Ireland. Ultimately this has a knock-on benefil for the objective of building Peace wilhin this Society. The advancement of human rights, conflict resolutlon or reconciliation or the promotlon of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity: An aspect of MUVE'S work is the furtherance of the human rights of Ihe innocent victims and sU1vOrS of terrorism and other (Troubles related violence., MUVE pursues opportunities lo have issues raised through consultations, etc. in support of those to which il primarily affects. MUVE operates an Advocacy Support Service. enables victimslsurvivors to share their testimony, tell their stories in a public setting and the production of booklet for the memory quilt. The public benefit obtained is Ihal a hislorically marginalised group of victimslsurvivors are supported in having their righls represented and furthered, reducing social inequalities. Through providing Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation-based Programmes there is also a substanlive public benefit for victimslsurvivors 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 to work in meeting the requirements of Section 75 of the Northem 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, disabilily-based supports and interventions in operalion. The groups support of those who are vulnerable. isolated, marginalised and who have oflen experienced profound acts of injustice. As well as supporting ils, Gore beneficiary constituency MUVE also has supported members of the broader community, thu5 contributing towards the building of a resilient and resourced community. The Public benefit 15 the promotion of social inclusion and the increased involvement of underrepresented groups which in turn has the impact of increasing levels of active citizenship. There is no private benefit or hami from the purposes. Achievements and perfomian¢e In 2023124 the group worked to achieving positive outcomes for innocent victims and survivors, focusing on the following areas.. Health and well-being sep4ices During the year South East Fermanagh Foundation ISEFF], conlinued to deliver Ihe following services - wunselling, complimentary therapies, advocacy support, welfare I benefits advice and the provision of a health and well-being caseworker to provide support and assistance to our members. Counselling targets were eXeded, and during the year addition service was provided to meet Ihe increased demand for the seNice. In addition to breaking Social exclusion and sligma, we aim to provide a friendly face and sympathetic ear. MUVE employ a health and well-being worker which provides support to MUVE'S core membership. We have set up a telephones support line which has been very successful with over 500 contacts. The weekly health and wellbeing support service has also enjoyed growth with vulnerable members accessing lh8 service from across Mid Ulster- we have The Chatterbox club who have people who are isolated meet regularly. We have achieved our targets in terms of complementary therapies- as usual we allocated therapies on a quarterly basis with an exlIent uptake. Victims and survivors often report to us the benefits of the therapies in relieving stress and anxiety as well as assisting with pain management. These benefits are captured and are reported back to our core fvnders,. The Victims and SuNivors Service.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company Ilmltsd by guarantee, not having a share capltsl) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Monthly coffee momings continue to be popular with good attendances covering all manner of health. educational. welfare and other issues of related interesl. 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 Ihat the luncheon was the only social event they attend and they appreciate the opportunity to socialise and to gel a hot meal provided for them. Two separate breakfast and barber events were held accommodating over 150 members both had informalive talks from Boots phamiacy and Ashes to Gold. The group has created a book club which has grown in numbers over the year. The members meet at the completion of Iheir current book lo review and report their findings. 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 INin (SEFF) continues to support members with advocacy and legacy support on a weekly basis. SOCIAL SUPPORT Walking group- We havè started a walking group which is split into 2 tiers. Advanced and beginners. The advanced 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 hot Gup of tea. 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 three evenings. In tems of classes and courses we delivered a wide variety of courses across the financial year including,. arts and craft classes, flower arranging, woodworking courses, Photography course, leather making course, fishing and metal detection groups. These courses will support participants in volunteering Gapacities 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= an outdoor water park Splash, Bushtown Hotel Spa day and Ihe Burns nighl. RESPITE We delivered a number of respite day trips which included Castle Ward, Portrush, the Belfast Tattoo, Belfast Markets, trip to Londonderry to v151t war memorial gardens and The Knitting and Stitching show - Titanic Quarter in Belfast and a trip to Coleman's Garden Centre which collectively catered for approximately 500 participants in total. Meanwhile there was 4 overnight respites breaks which included Portaferry Hotel, Killyhevlin Hotel, The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine and an activity weekend at the Share Centre, Lisnaskea. In addition, there were several social events which included Dan Winters House, Bums Night, storytelling - Ops Banner, MUVE Christmas paty cinema trip. event which provided a social outlet and a night's entertainment.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company Ilmlted by guarantee, not having a share capltall TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Truth, Justice and Acknowledgement Military Display- day event Wreath Laying- November 10 Memory Quilt (on-going) With these initiatives supported those socially 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 seNice remains our volunteers who provide advice and distribule information leaflets. In the year under review over 2,800 volunteer hours were donated and over 1,500 newsletters were distributed to members. Over 590 members availed of the weekly texting seN1, thus ensuring that members were kept well infonned of the various events and services. We are pleased that by working with our partners SEFF, VSS, Covenanl, UDR Aftercare Servi, Northem Trust- Health & Well-Being Team, Combat Stress, Mid Ulster Council Community Relations Officer, Veterans Champion, Veteran Commissioner Office, NIVSO (David Johnston), Defence Garden Scheme, Halifax Foundalion and Veterans Foundalion we have been able to assist some of the most isolated and deprived members in the vidim's sector wilhin the Mid Ulster Council area. There was a total of 3968 inlerventions during the year across all service5 and activities, a significant 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 havlng a share capltal} TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Principal Funding Sources The principal funding sources for Mid Ulster Victims Empowemient are currently by way of grant and contract income Funding Victims and Survivors Serrfice Anned Forces Covenant Trust Screwfix Foundation Ulster Scots Mid Ulster District council Veteran5 Foundatlon The natlonal lottery Community Fund Leopardstown Trust Desertcreats Church Acknowledgements All the work would not be possible withoul the support of our major funders the Victims and Survivors Servi. We thank the VSS slaff fortheir 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 the issues that our members face on a daily basis, mainly mental health and well-being. The group would also like to express their sincere appreciation to all the individualslconsultants who liaise on regular basis and especially for the support offered.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company Ilmlted by guarantee, not having a share capltal} TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Financial Review Financial performance in the year to 31st March 2024, has been consistent with the trustee's forecasts and expectations. Restricted rèserves amounting to £67,475 and unrestricted reseNes amounting to £71,670 Reserves Policy The Directors recognise the need for unreslricled reserves to be maintained at an appropriate level. MUVE'S reserves policy is to maintain a sufficient level of reserves to enable operating activities to be maintained, taking account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to lime. The policy is reviewed annually by th8 Direclors. The policy identifies the estimated amounts required to meet financial risk associated with potential contingencies and uncertainties relating to the charity's operating activities. These include= the provision for an orderly winding4own 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 nol been provided for in the nomial financial planning process. Elements of the target figure will include the costs for redundancy and contractual liabilities for such items as rent of Offi$. The total for this is expected to be approximately £53,000. The committee have agreed how surplus funds beyond the amount to be held in reserve could be used for the benefrt 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 assisl the development of new activities and services to purchase addÉtional equipment for the benefit of the project and l or replace existing equipment if required to make minor improvements to the office Spa to make it a more welcoming environment to promote the project through printing of posters and leaflets and the development of a community centre website to support training needs of volunleerfs 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 volunteers I committee members and to bring additional activities and services into the project. The committee will consider on a regular basis the levels of funding that it holds and how this funding can be used to benefit the project and ils associated activities and seNices. 10
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project {MUVE Project) {A company Ilmltsd by guarantee, not havlng a share capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 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 charilable company and is governed under its Article of Associalion. 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 lo the principles of Corporate Governance, and through the development of various manuals, will capture all internal and external pro$$eS 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 accountability in all our business activities. Embracing Corporate Govemance ensures that as an organisalion we adhere to the highest standards of inlegrity in carrying out our business and managing our finances. The company is fully aware of its responsibilities and the need for accounlability, particularly in relation to the management of public money. As a group set up to represent victims of paramilitary violence and terrorism, it is important that such an organisalion exists to give support to those affected by the Troubles. The MUVE project is njn 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 its members. The company has a board of directors of 13 members who meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the project. All servi$ are offered to victims and survivors of trouble-reSated violence. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work wilh the charity. They are only reimbursed for charitable expenses. 11
Mid Ulster Vlctlms Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company Ilmlt•d by guaTHnteg. not ha¥lng a sharè ¢apltsll TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for Ihe year ended 31 March 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES The truslees are responsible for preparing Ihg financial ststements in accordance with applicable law and regulalion$. Company law requires the Ifustees as Ihe director5 to prepare financial statements for èach financlal year. Under that law the Iruslees have elected to prepare the financial $talemenls in accordance with Unlted Kingdom Gènerdly Accepted Accounting Practice {United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under charitable company law the truste8s must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied Ih8t they give a Ifue and falr view of the stale of affairs of the charity and of the net Income or expenditure of the charity for that pertod. In preparing these financial statem8nts. the trustees are required lo: select suitable accounting policies and apply them ¢onsistently' make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., stste whether the Charltles SORP {effective January 2015) in acwrdance wilh FRS 102 has been followed,. prepare the financlal statemenls on the going conGern basis unl$$s It is inappropriate to presume that the charity wlll Lxntinue in operation. The truslees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which dlsclose wlh reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and lo enable them lo ensure that the financial statements compty with. and all Regulations to be con51nJed as one with Ihat ACL They are also responsible lor saleguardlng the assets of the harity and henG8 for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitles. TNstee$' declarntion on unaudltsd finon¢ial statements In relallon lo Ihe finan¢ial statements comprising the Statement ol Financial A¢tNities, the Balance Sheet, the Accounting policles, apptying them consistently and making, on a reasonabl8 and prudent basis. the judgemenfs underlying them. The have been prepared in Ihe goin9 concem basis on the grounds that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees confimi that have made available lo R T J Ross & Co, Chartered Accountan1& all the chaTty's accounting records and provided all the information. books and docum8nts necessary for the Gompilabon of the financial statements. The tfustees confirni that to the best of their knDwledgo and bellef, Ihe aocounting records refled 811 the transaction5 of the charity for the year end 31 March 2024. Special provlslons relallng to small companlos The above report has been prepared in accordance wth the speclal provlsions relatin9 to small cximpanies within Part 15 oflhe CompaThes Act 2006. The trustees, annual report was approved on the 11th February 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: y order of thg Board Mr Ryan M TTusts8 - gown MrJ8 ery Trustee 12