Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not havlng a share capStall TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 The Trustees present their report along with the finanaal slaternent5 for the year ended 3(yh June 2022. The rinancial staternents have been prepared accordancE with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to th& financial statemenls and comply with the company's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2[6, Part 8 ol the Charities A¢1 (Northern Ireland) 2008, other applble law and the requirements of the Statement of Recornm&nded Practre ISORPI, FRS102 and with the financial repot*ng standards applicable to charities preparing their accounts. The lojstees. who are also the directors of the charity, at the date ol Ihis report and those wtrKJ served during the financial year together wrth the dates of any changes are set out on page 3 and are listed below. The charitable company is lirniled by guarantee not having a share capital. Principal Risks and Uncertainties A summary of these risks would include VSS funding being Th)w on a yearly basls due to a lack of political leadership, an ever-increasing workload for both volunteers and Board mernbers. MUVE pkn to mitigate these risks through irnplementin9 and continuously monitoring our rtserves policy, increasing our allocation of Board rnefflber5, providing 9ovemance training. and updating our volunteers and more specific training based on their skills and abilities. We have always sourced other strearns of funding, which has been Successful over this past 12 tnonth5. The directors have conducted a review of the rnajor risks to which the company is exposed. Appropriate systerns and inièmal eontrols 81e in p18ce throughout the company's processes and prOdureS lo provide dear aceount8bility 8nd to rnitigale those risks whith the cornpany faces. The cornpany seeks to maintain high standards in Ihe rnanernent ol risk and the proce55es in pLace are reviewed annually to ensure their relevance. Equallty The company Is ful committed to its equality respornsibililies and to provide fair and unpreludice(I treatment for all. Trustees The tru5t8e8 who $8rv8d during the year are as follows.. Mr Ryan McGeowm Mr Hugh Gate8 Mrs Judith McGeown Mr Geoffrey Hamilton Mrs Serena Hamilton Secretary Mr Alister Robinson Mr Jeffery Lamont Mr8 Audrey Brodison Mr Billy Fuhl Mr Jason Lamont Mr Glen E8pie Mr Derek Noonan Chaimian vi-chaImTran Treasurer In accordan wth the Consts"tution. the Iru5tees retire by rolalion and, being eligible. offer lhemSees for re-election.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project IMUVE Project) IA company limlted by guarantee, not having a share catall TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Objectives The Company's obiectives are specificBlly restricted to the relief of povety. the advancernent 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 violenTr and terr0ri5rn and other inhabitants of local cornmunilies I'hereinafter called the beneficiaries'l in particulady, bul not exclusively trom the Mid Ulster Constituency and its environs in Counties TyronelLondonderry, Northern Iland Ihereinafter called 'the area of benefit'l without distinction of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation. nationalty. 8thni¢ identity, polit1 or religious opinion, by as80¢ialing with the statutory authorities, cornmunity and voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort lo advan education. to advocate. promote and foster a community spirit in favour of equality and diversity and to provide facilities In the interests of social welfgre for recreation or other leisure-time oc£upation. with the object ol irnproving the condition5 of life of the said inhabitants. The group alms.. To foster an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement among people suffering from the effeet5 of bereavement, injury or trauma as 8 direct or indirect result of the (x)nflict around benefit, and their relatives, and people in communities so affecied. To assist individuals and families affected by the conflid to address their own personal experiences of hurt. loss and tiauma by comrnunicatirvJ their experiences.. lo support those seeking truth, justice and public acknowledgement of what h8s happened. and provide opportunities lor mernbrance 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 caparity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged corm)unty of the area of benefit in such a way that they are better able to identify. and help meet, their needs and to partieipate more fully in society. To advan education and raise public awareness of Ihe effects ol the conflict and sectarian Violen around benefft on Indivlduals and communities.. To posltively promote Ihe interests ol InnnI victims and survivors within the Mtd Ulster area To prtsvid8 sariiices, advice 2nd 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 servlces diredly or indirectly th81 rewnises and addresses the individual's needs irKluding weware, advocacy, Comprnentary therapies. wunselling. tran5-generational i55ue5, and 50aal supwrt. Public Benefit Statement In setting our objectives and planning Ir activities for the year the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commis5K)n for Northem Ireland's guidance on public benefit to ensure activities have helped to achieve the charity's purpose and provide a benefit to the beneffiaaries. prèv8ntion and relÈef of poverty: The public benefit flowng from this purpose is improved quality ol life as a result of availing of a variety ol welfare services, benefits advi and advocacy sètwcès through funding and grants. The inclusion of ski115-based training progiammes and the work of our Health and Wellbeing Caseworker also contiibule5 iowards this obj8clive. The Publi¢ benefit achieved via this is that levels of financiaVeconomK deprivation faced by viclims/survNors is redUd Thè Advancèment of Education: The publ benefrt flowng from this purp)se is the development of new skills". improved uCatIonal standards.. improved educational and careei opportunrties., building individual arKI colkctive capacity to learn and und8rst8nd through educational classes and workshops with a view to progressing to higher educalh)n as well as the acquisition of a variety of higher level educational attainments and competenc$,. improved sense ol worth as volunteers and enhanced career opportunities lor individuals. The benefrts are demonstrated through the acqui8rtion of qualifirations, attainment of certificates and COmptIOn ol higher-level courses.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project IMUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantee, not having a Share capitall TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 The advancement of health: Thè public benefit which flows from this purpose is improved health and well-being.. less stres$fu5 lifestyles.. reduced addictions., a healthier outlook tsn life in general and the reintegration ol persons into the community showing a positive attitude lowards others through the provision of coun5811ing, cornplementary therapies. stress management and health and wellbeing services. All of MUVE'S programmes and service8 are delivered with the promotion of positive health and wellbeing at their heart, and the wellbeing of the indNidual. The public benefit achieved is the faalitalion of victimslsurvivors to become happier. heallhier and more fu1fi118d citizens. The advoncement of the arts. culture. herltsge or 8cience. Through the provision of 8rts 8nd craft wut8es. seminars, rnernory quilt project, etc. The oiganisats.on also offers a wide variety of cultural-themed interventions connecting with key dates in the year 8uo as Burns Night el¢. The Publi¢ benefit ¢btalned Is tme InCaSed capacity of viclims15Utvivor5 and the wider community whereby they have an appreciation for the divergence of culture5 which comprise in Northem Ireland. Ultsmately this has a knod(-on benefit for the objectNe of building Peace within this Society. The advancement of hurnan rights, conflict resolution or reconeiliation or the promotlon of religious or racial ham)ony or equallty and diverslty: An aspect of MUVE'S work is lh8 furthèianea ol the human rigms ol the innOt victim5 and survivors of terrorism and other ITroubles lated violence., MUVE PUTsue5 Opportunities to have issues raised through con5ultation5. elc. in support of those lo which il primarily affects. MUVE operates a Advocaw Support Service, enables victirnslsurvivors to share their testirnony. tell their stories in a public setting and th8 pioduction of booklet lor the memory quilt. The public benefit obtained is that a historically marginalised group of VIlMS1$Urvtvor$ are supported in having their rights represented and furthered, reduciNJ social inequalities. Through providing Conflict Resolution and Re¢onciliatiDn-based Pframme5 there is also a substantive public benefit for ctimslsurvivot5 and the widercommunity irn the furtherance of a peaceful and more cohesive society. The relief of those in need by reason of youth. age. ill-heatth, disatylity, fin8ncial h8idship or other disadvantages. MUVE strives to work irn meeting the requirements of Seclion 75 of the Northem Ire18nd Act i.e. supporting under-represented groups and has dev8lop8d a range of initiats.ves to support such affected IndivUal$. The organisation has a range of youth. older people. disability-based supports and interventions In operation. The groups support of those who are vulnerable. isolated. marginalised and who have often experienced profound acts of injustice. As well as supporting its, core Lneficiary constituency MUVE also has supported members of the broader community, thus contributing towards the building of a re11&t and rasourced community. The Public benefit is the promotion of soaal inclusion and the inueased involvement of underrepresented groups whieh in tum has the impact of incraasing lavds of activè eitizènship. Tharè is no private benefrt or ham from the purposes. Achievements and performanco In 2022r23 the group worked to achieving Posilive outcornes for innocent victims and survwors. focusing on the followng aa$". Health and well.being services During the year South East Fermanagh Foundalion ISEFFI. continued to deliver the following servi5 - counselling, eomplirnentary therapies, advocacy support, welfare I benefits advice and the provision ol a health and well-being c83ework¢r to provide 8UPPQrt and as8tstsnce to our rnernbers. Counselling targets were exe(led. and during the year addition service was provided lo rne8t the increased demand for the servits. In additK)n to breaking social exclusion and stigma, we aim to provide a friendly face and a sympathetic ear. MUVE employ a heath and well-being worker whith provides support to MUVE's core rY*mbership. Wè hava sèt up a telephones support line whith has be8n very successful Mrith over 400 contacts. The weekly health and wellbeing support service has also enjoyed growth with vuln8r8blè members accessing the service frDm acros5 Mid U15ter- we have The Chatterbox club who have people who are iso18ted meet regulafiy. We have achieved our taig8ts in terrns of cotnplementary theiapies", as usual we allocated therapies on a qL¢arterly basis with an excellent uptake. Victims and survivors often report to us the benefits of the therapies in rdieving stress and anxiety as well as assisting with pain management. These benefits are caPtud and 8re rew)rt8d back to our core funder5,' The Victims and Survivors SeNice.
Mld Ulster Victlms Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guaTante8, not having a share capltsll TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Coffee momings continue to be popular with good attendances covering all manner of health, educational, welfare and other issues of related interest. We also hel¢J a Christrna5 lurKheon and thi5 wa5 very popular, in particular people who are elderly. live on their own, are lonely and isclated, they report thal the luncheon wa5 the onty 50oal event they attend and they appreciate the opportunity to socialise and to get a hol meal provided for them. For isolated members MUVE has prowded a hot meal that wa5 delNered to their home. WELFARE SUPPORT The numbers of members who avall of the Welfa support seNlce are also steady with a continued increase in thè number of people queSting support with Personal Independent Payment IPIP, TPDPSI applications. In addrtion there has been a SIgncant increase in the number of rnernkrS requiring Appeals Tribun81 Representation. lan Irwin ISEFF) continues lo support members wilh advocacy and legacy support on a weekly basi8. SOCIAL SUPPORT Walking group- We have started a walking group which is split into 2 tiers. Advanced and beginners. The advanced walkèrs cov&r approximatèly 5- 10 rnilgs of hard terrain which is beneficiat for their mental health. The beginners will do less than a mi18 in a pathed area finishing with a hol cup of lea. This group is more soc1 than exercise. MENIHEN SHED- The shed provldes a safe space for mèmbers to leam and devélop new and old skills. We have rnanged to include local school and youth se$ wlthln the shed. The shed Ss uliSed five days a week and two eversings. In terrns of dasses and courses we delivered a wide variety of courses across the financial year induding.. arts and craft cl85885, woodworking wurses. fishing and metal detection groups. These CL)urses will support participants in volunteering capacities within the widerwork of MUVE. This will provide additional edUCatic lor a wider range ol arts and craft courses in Ihe future. In relation to transgeneralional, the following was dèlivsrsd.. advènture wéèkènd to Nèweasllè, Hallow'èen èvènt, Chrislrna8-themed activities. which are always extremely popular. (We ale Vertigo- Gatning Bus- Belfast Giants- Airsoft- Splash). RESPITE We delNered a number of spIte ¢Jay trips which induded Mount stewart, Irish War Museum. Portrush Boat Cwi8e, family fishing day and 3 spa days which cttered for approximately 450 participants in totsl. Meanwhile the was 2 overnight respites breaks which included Enniskillen and PDriiush and one activity weekend to Newcastle. In addition, there were several so(i81 events whrh induded Bums Night, storytelling, Queen8 Jubilee Event, Murder Mystery Night artd a Halloween event which provided a social oullel and a night's entertainrnent.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA Gompany limited by guarantee, not having a sharn capitsll TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Truth, Justice and Acknowledgement 1(Y' Anniver3ary 8erv¢ce- MUVE Wreath L8yirrtJ- November 22 Memory Qullt lon-goingl With Ihese InitliveS supported those socially isolated and who woukj have dlfficulty going on prate holldays ¢Juè to economic hardship due to the rise in the cost of living. The mainstay ol our service remains our volunteers who provide advice and distribute information leaflets. In the year under VIeW over 2,800 volunteer hours were donated and over 1,500 newsletters were distributed to members. Over 590 members availed of the weekly texting setvice, thus ensuring thal members were kept well informed of the various events and services. We are pleased that by working with our partners SEFF, VSS, Coven8nt. UDR Aftercare serv, Northem Trust- Health & Well-8eing Team. Combat Stress, Mid Ulster Council Community Relations Officer, Veterans Champion, Veteran Commissioner Office, NIVSO (Liz Brown), Defence Garden Scheme and Veterans Foundatkjn we have been able lo assist some of the most isolated 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 activit$, a signifant incrèasè on lh9 projected 2184 agreed target on our delivery plan, with our cora funder VSS.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by ouarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for th8 y881 ended 31 March 2023 Principal Funding Source8 The prinapal lundlng SCrS for Mid Ulster Vietims Empowemenl are currenuy by way of grant and contract in(x)r Funding Vlctim¥ arKI Survivor¥ Servi¢ Armed Forces Covenant Trust Communlty Development & Health Network A5da Community Foundation Cookstown & Westem Shores Nerk Veterans Foundation Th• national lottery Cornmunity Fund Acknowledgements All the work would not be possible wthoul the support of our rnajor funders the Wctims and SurvNors SeN1. We thank the VSS staff for their ctsntinu8d support and assistarKe. Th6 group also appreciates the continued support from the olher funders. This has enabled us to expand o services and help address some of the issues that our members face on a daily basis. mainly mental health and W611-b6ing. The groLJP would also like lo express their sinTrre appation to all the individuaslconsullants who liaise on a regular basis and especia51y (or the support offered.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowemient Project (MUVE Project IA Gornpany litnited by 9uarantee, not having a share capitall TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 Frnancial Review Financial performance in the year lo 31st March 2023. has been consistent with the trustee's fowasts and expedations. Restricted reserves arnounting to £41,030 and unre5tficted reserves arnounting to £55,739 Reseples Pollcy The Direclors recognise the need for unrestricted reserves lo be mainiained al an appropriate level. MUVE'8 reserves policy is to maintain a sufficient level of reserves to enable operating actNilies to be maintained. taking account of potenti81 risks and eonts"ngencies that may arise from time to time. The policy is reviewed annually by the Directors. The policy identifies the estimated amounts required to meet finanual risk associated with potential contingencies and uncertainties relating to the charity's operating activities. These include.. the provigon 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 foT in the nomial finanrial planning process. Elernent5 of the target figure will include the costs for fedundancy and contractual liabilities for such items as rent of offices. The tot81 for this is èxpected to be approximately £32,lYJO. The Committee have agreed how Surplus funds beyond the arnount lo be held in reserve could be u8ed forlhe benefit of the project. It was agreed that surplus fund$ could be used 8$ follows- to give financial support to existing tltieS if wulred lo give financial suppk)rt the assist the development of new activities and services to purchas• additional 8quipm8llt for the ben8fit of the project and l 01 replace existing èquipmènt if required to make minor improvements to the office Spa to make11 a more welcoming envlronrnent lo promo1& the project through printing of posters and leaflets and the devetopment of a cornmunity centre website to support training needs ol voluntee¢8 I committee members to support volunteers through provision ol voluntèer penSeS for travel and 8ssociated costs to eM0Y Members of staff to WO forthe charty to enable rt to meet its legal requirements, to provide additional support ftx project volunteers I cornmittee members and to bring athsitional actiMt1&5 and seTViC8S into the project. Thè committaa will tx)n8id8r on 8 regular ba515 the leve15 of frjnding that it holds and h¢)w this lundxig Can bè usad to benefrt the project and ils associated activities and seNices. 10
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company Ilmited by gua¥antee, not havin9 a share capitsll TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 Mafch 2023 Structure, Govornance and Management The organ15ation is a Charitab ¢)paTry limited by guarantee, havin9 been incorporated on 14 May 2013. Th¢ company was established under a Memorandurn of Assouation which established the objects and power5 of the charitable company and is governed under ils Article of Association. In the ev8nt of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an atnounl not exceeding £1. Corporate Governance The company is committed to the principles of Corporate G0veman, and through th8 development of various manuals, will capture all intemal and external processes and prodUre. The detailing of the ¢ompanys actNilies in this way will ensure we follow best practice guidèlin8s alld demonstrate approprlate openness. transparency, and accountability in all our business activitie5. Ernbr8cing Corporate G0Veman ensures that as an organisalion we adhere to the highest stand&rds of integrity in carrying out our busines5 and managing our finances. The company is fully aware of its ie5wnsibilities and the need for accountability, particularly in relation lo the managernent of public money. As a group set up to reprtsent victim8 of paramilitary violence and terrorism, il is important that such an organisation exists lo give support to thosè affected by the Troubles. The MUVE prolect is run by 8 team of dedicated volunteers. The group has a project workei and offers supwrt and advice on a range of issues SL41* as welfare and counselling and includes a drop-in facility as well as providing soual events for its members. The company h8s a board of directors of 13 mernbers who meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the projeci. All services are offered to victims and suNivors ol trouble-related violence. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS None of our trustees reTrive rgmuneration or oiher benefrt from their work with the charity- They are only 1mbur$ed for ¢h8rilable expenses. 11
Mid Ulster Vlctims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company litnitsd by guarant88, not having a share Gapitsll TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees are responsible for preparing the ffinancial statements in accordan with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the trustees as th8 directors lo prepare finanthol statements for each financrdl year. Under that law the trustees have elected lo prepare the financial Statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable lawl. Under charitable company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unle5$ they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net incorne or expendrture of the charity lor that perKJd. In preparing these financial statements, the tiustees are qUired to.. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently., make juijgements alld estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state wh8ther the Charities SORP (effective January 20151 in accordanc8 Wlth FRS 102 has been followed., prepare the financlal statemèn13 on the going Comrn basis unless It inappropriate to presurne that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keepirvJ proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuro¢y at any time the financial p¢)sition of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with, and all RegLJlalions to be construed as one wilh that Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the pievention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. TrLEStee$' declaratlon on unaudited financlal ststements In relation to the financial statement5 comprising the Stslemenl of Finanaal Activities. the Balance Sheet. the Accounting policies, apptying them consistently and making. on a reasonable and prudent basis, the judgement's undedying them. The have been prepared in the going corKein basis on the grounds that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees confirm thal have made available to R T J Ross & Co. Chartered Accountants. all the charity's acutIng records and provided all the inforrnalion, books and documents necessary for the compilats.on of the finana81 slatements. The trustees confim that to the best of Ihelr kmwl8dge and belief, the accounlng records reffle all the Ilansactions of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. Special provisions relating to small companies The above rewrt has been prepared in accordance with the special provIsn$ relating to Small companies with¢n Part 15 ofthe Companies Act 2LX)6. The trustees. annual report was akwroved on the 10° J8nu8ry 2024 and signe(l on behalf of the b08rd of trustees by.. By order of the Board Ryan McGeo Mr Jeffery Lamont Truste• 12