Mld Ulster Vlctims Empowerment Project {MUVE Project) IA wrnpany Ilmittrd by uuarant8e, not havlng a share capltall TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT lor the year ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees present their report along with the finan¢i81 slalements for the year ended 30th March 2024. The finandal statements have been prepared in accordan with the accounting poliaes set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the company's Articles of Association. the Companies Act 2QKJ6, Part 8 of the Charities Act {Northem Ireland) 2008. other applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recornrnended Practice ISORPI, FRS102 and with the financial reporting standards applicobl$ to charities preparing their acuunls. The Iru51ee5. who are 81$0 the d1CtOrS of the charity, at the dale of this report and those who served durfng the financial year together with the dales of any ¢hang&g are set out on page 3 and are listed below. The charitable company 1$ Ilmlted by guarantee not having a share capital. Principal Ri$k$ and Uncèrtalntlès A summary ol these risks would include VSS funding being now on a yearfy basis due lo a lack of political leadership, an ever-increaslng workload for both volunteers and Board members. MUVE plan to mitigate these risks through implementing and continuou81y monkorfng our reserves pdiay. 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 aayS sourced olher 51ream$ ol funding, which has been successful over this past 12 months. The directors have conducted a rewew ol the major risks to which the company is exposed. Appropri81e 8yslerll3 and internal controls are in place throughout the company's pro¢ess¢s and prOdureS to provide dear accountability arhj lo mitigate those risks which the company faces. The company seeks lo maintain high standards in the management of risk and the processes in pla are reviewed annually to ensure their relevan. Equality The comp8ny is fully committed lo 11$ equ81ity rèsponslbifities and to provide fair and unprejudiced treatment for all. Trustees The trustees who served during the year are as follows- Mr Ryan McGeown Mr Hugh Gates Mrs Judith McGeown Mr Geoffrey Hamillon Mrs Serena Hamilton sre1ry Mr Alister Robinson Mr Jeffery Lamont Treasurer Mrs Audrey 8rodi$ Mr Billy Fuhl Mr Jason Lamont Mr Glen Espie Mr Derek Noonan Mr Ivor Faulkner Mi88 M8rl8ne Gibson Chaimian Vice-chaimian In acrdance with the Constitution. the trustees retirè by ro181ion and, being eligible. offer themselves for rleCtIOn.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA Gompany limited by guarantee. not having a share ¢apitsll TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT lor the year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives The Company's objectives are specifically resiricied to the relief of poverty, the athancemenl of educatlon, the preservation and protection of health, the promotion of equality and dlversity and the promotion of the benefit ol the victims and sutviv¢rs of paramilitary violence and terrorism and other inhabitants of local communities {'hereinafteT called the benefiryariès'l in paiticularty, but not exclusNety from the Mid Ulster Constiluency and its environs in Counties TyronelLondonderry, Northem Ireland Ihereinafter called 'the area of benefil'l wilhoul di51inGtion of age. gender, dISality, sexual orientation. nationality. ethnic idenlily, political or religious opinion, by 8s$¢CKqting wlth the statutory authorities, community and voluntary organisation5 and the inhabitants in a common èfft)rt to advance education, lo advocate. promote and foster a comrnunily spirit in favour ol equality and diversity and to provide facililies in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisu-tIme occupation. wf(h the objed of improving the conditions of lifts of the said inhabitants. The group alms.. To f051er an atmosphere of mutual support and en¢ouragement among people sufferfng from the effects of bere8vement, injury or trauma as a direct or indirect r$$ul of the conflict around ben¢fit, and their relaiives. and people in Communities so affected. To assist Individuals and families affected by the confji¢X lo address their own personal experiences of hurt. Joss and trauma by communicating their experiences-, to support those Seeking truth. justice and public acknowledgement of what has happened. and provide opportunities for Temembranc& and mourning. To allevSate suffering and trauma by the provision of a dropin facility offering emotional support and counselling swvices lo individuals in need. To develop the capacity and skills of the members of th8 socially and eC0MI¢81[Y disadvantaged community of the area of benefit in such a way that they are better able to identify. and help meet, thelr ne$ and to participate more lully In society. To advance education and r8ise publ1¢ Awareness of the effects of the confll¢t and sectarian violence around ben$fil on individuals and cornmunili$$', To posilivdy promote the Interests of innocent victins and survivors within the Mid Ulster area To provide servkes. 8dvice and support to both individuals and the gTOUP as a whol& lo promote the members welkbgin9 while they deal with consequences of terrorism. To provlde services directly or indirectly that recognises and addresses the individual's needs including weffare. advocacy, complementary therapies. counselling, Irans-generational issues, and 80Ct81 support. Public Bengfit Statsment In setting our objedives and planning our activities ft)r the year the trustees have givèn careful consideration lo the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland'3 guidan¢e on public beneffit lo en8urg activities have helped to achieve th ch8Titls purpose and provide a benefrt lo thè bèneficiaries. Thtr prèventlon 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 services. benefits advice and advocacy services through lunding and grants. The inclusion of skills-based training programmes and the work of our Health and Wellbeing Caseworker also ¢ontributes towards ihis objecbvg. The Public benefil aCeVe vi? this is that levels of finanalle¢On0miC deprivation faced by victimslsurvivors is reduced Th• Advancement of Education- Tho public benerrt fjowing from this purpose is the development of new skills- irnprtsved educational standards., improved educational and career opportunities,. building individual and cK•lleclNe capaty lo learn and understand through educational dasses and wot*shops with a view to progressing to higher gducalion as well as the aquisition ol a variety of higher level educational attainments and competencies,. improved sense ol worth as volunteers and enhanced career opportunities for individua15. The benefits are demonstrated through the acquisition of qualffications, attainment of certthcates and completlon of higher-level coursos.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project {MUVE Project) IA company Ilmited by guarantee, not having a share capltsll TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Th• advaneement of health: The public benefit which flows from this purpose 18 improved health and well-being., less stressful lifestyles., redUd addictions,. 8 healthier outlook on life in general and tho reintegration of persons into tho community showing a positive attilude toward5 Others through the provision of Counselling. complementary therapies. stress management and health and w&llbeing $¢rvSces. All of MUVE'S progiammes and services a delivered wilh the promotion of positive health and wèllbeing at their heart, and the wellbeing of the individual. The public benefrt achieved is the facilitation of vi¢timslsuNivors to become happier, healthier and more fulfilled citizens. The advane•mènt of the arts, culture, heritsge or ¥¢iene•. Through the provision of 8rts and craft courses. Seminars. memory quill project, etc. The organisalion also offers a wide variety of ¢ultui81-themed interventions connecting with key dates in the year such as Bums Night etc. The Public benefit obtained is the increased capacity of victimslsurvivors and the wider community whereby they have an appreciation for the divergencè ol cultures which compri59 in Northem Ireland. Ultimately this has a kno¢k-on benefit for the objective of building Pga¢e wlhin this Socfety. Th• advancement of human rlghts, conflict rgjolution or reeonclliation or the promotion of rellgloL* or raclal harmony or equality 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 ffroubles related violence., MUVE pursues opportunities to have issues raised through consultslions, el¢. in 5UPPOrt of those to which it primarity affects. MUVE operates an Advocacy Support Service, enable5 ViCtimslsuNivors to share their testimony. tell their stories in a public setting and the production of booklet for the rnemory quilt. The public bènefit obtained is that a historically marginalised group of vi¢timslsurvivors are supported in having their rights represented and furthered. reducing Social inequalities. Through providing Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation-based Programm&s there is also a sub51anlive public benefit for victirn51survivors and the wder community in the furtheranco (>f ¥ peaeeful and more cohesive Society. The relief of those in need by reason of youth. age, ill-health, disabilty, finanry81 hardship or other disadvantages. MUVE strives lo work in meellng the requirements of Section 75 of the Northem Ireland Act i.e. supporting under-represented groups and has devèlopèd a range of initiatives to support such affected individuals. The organisation ha$ a range of youth. 01der people, disability-based support8 and Interventions in operation. The groups 5UPPOrt of thos$ who are vulnerable. isolaled. marginalised and who have often experienced profound acts of injusticè. As well as supporting ils, core beneficiary con51iluen¢y MUVE also has supported mernbers of the broader community, thus contributing towards the building of a ie5ilienl and resourced community. The Public benefit is Ihg promotion of so¢ial inclusion and the increased involvement of underrepiesented groups which in turn has the impact of increasing levels of active citizenship. There is no private benerrt or hami from the purposes. A¢hievemènts and perfomiance In 2023124 the group worked lo achieving positive out¢omes for innocent victirns and survivors, fo¢u$lng on the following areas.. Health and well-being service8 During the year South East Fermanagh Foundation ISEFFI, continued lo deliver the following services - counselling, complimentary therapies, advo¢acy support. welfare I benefits advice and the provlslon of a hea51h and well-being caseworker to provide support and assistance to our members. Counselling targets were exceeded. and durin9 the year addition seNice w8s provided to meet the incre85ed demand for the service. In a(klilion lo braaking soaal exclusion and stigma, wa aim to pVIde a friendly face and a sympaihetic ear. MUVE employ a health and well-being worker which PTovides support to MUVE'S core membershlp. We have sel up a telephones support line whi¢h has been very Sussful with over 500 contacts. The weekly health and well1ng support seN{ has also enjoyed growth with vulnerable members accessing the service from across Mld Ul$ler- we have The Chatterbox Club who have people who 8re i501ated meet regularty. We have achieved our targets in temis of cornplernent8ry therapies.. as usual we 8llocaled therapies on a quarterfy ba815 wlh an excellent 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 8re captured and are reported back to our coro fvnders.. The Victims and SuNivor$ Service.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA company limited by guarantse. not havlng a share capitsll TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Monthly coffee rnomTngs continue to be popular with good attendances covering all manner of heatth, educational, welfare and other issues of related interest. We also held a Christmas luncheon and thi5 was very popular. in partic¢Jlar people who are elderly, live on their own, are lonely and isolated. they report that the luncheon was the only socsal event they attend and they appreciate the opportunity lo soualise and to gel a hol Me81 provided for them. Two separate breakfast and barber events were held accommodating over 150 members both had informative talks from Bools phamiacy and Ashes to Gold. The group has crgated a book club which has grown in numbers over the year. The members meet al the completion of their current book to review and port their findings. WELFARE SUPPORT The numbers of members who 8vall of the welfare support service are 81$0 steady with a conlinuad increase in the nurnber of people requesting support with Personal Independent Payrnent tPlP, TPDPS] applications. In addition there has been a significant increase in the number of members requiTing Appeals Tribunal Repre8entstion. lan ]In ISEFF) continues lo support rnembeis with advocacy and legacy support on a weekly basis. SOCIAL SUPPORT Walking group- We have started a walking group which is split into 2 tiers. Advanced and beginners. The adVand walkers cover approxlmalely 5- 10 miles of hard terrain which ig beneficAal for their rnentsl health. The beginners will do less than a mlle In a pathed area finishing wilh a hol cup of lea. This group is more soclal than exercise. MENIHEN SHED- The shed provides a safe space for members lo leam and develop new and old skills. We h8Ve manged lo includg local school and youth servtces within the shed. The shed is utili8ed five days o week and three evenings. In lerrns of classes and courses we delivered a WKle variety of courses acro3s the financial year inclu(fing', arts and Cfaft classes, flower arranging, woodworking courses, Photography course, leather making course. fishing 8nd metal detection groups. These courses will support participants in volunteering capacities wilhln the wider work of MUVE. Thi5 Wtll provlde additional education for a widèr range of arts and craft courses in the lulure. In relation to transgeneralional, the following was delivered.. an ouldotsrw8ter park Splash, Bushlown Hol&1 Spa day and the Burns night. REsprrE We delivered a number of respito day trips which included Castle Ward, Portrush, the Belfast Tattoo, Belfast Markets, trip to Londondèrry to visit war memorial gardens and The Knitting and Slilthing show- Titanic Quarter in Bellasl and a ITIP to Colem8n's Garden Centre which collectively catered for approximat8ly 500 partiCApanls in total. Meanwhile there was 4 overnight respites breaks which induded Portafery Hotel, KillyhlIn Hotel. The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine and an activity weokènd at the Share Cenlre, Lisnaskea. In addition. there were several social events whith Induded Dan Winters House, Bums Night. storytelliw- Ops Banner, MUVE Chrislrnas party anema trip. event which provided a social ouuel and a nvJht's entertainment.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project {MUVE Project) IA cornpany Irmiied by guarantee, not havlng a shar8 capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Truth, Justice and Acknowledgement Military Displ8y- hvo day event Wreath Laying- November 10 Memory Quilt {on-goingl With these initialives supported those socially isolated and who would have difficulty gtsing on private holidays due lo economic hard3hip du& to Iho rise In the cost of living. The mainstay of our service remains our volunle8rs who provide advice and distribute infomiation leafle15. In the or under review over 2.800 volunteer hours were donated and over 1,5) newsletters were dlslrfbuled to members. Over 590 members avalled of Ihe weekly texting service, thus ensuring that members were kept well infomed of the various events and seM¢es. We are pleased that by worklng wlth our partners SEFF. VSS. Covenant, UDR Afterca Service. Northem Trust- Health & Well-Being Team. Combal Stress, Mid Ulster Coun¢il Community Relations Officer, Vfyterans Champion, Veteran Commissioner Office, NIVSO ID8vid Johnston), Defence Garden Scheme. Halrfax Foundation and Veterans Foundalion we have been able to assist some of the most isolated and deprived members in the vidim'$ $o¢tor withln the Mid U131er Coundl area. There was a lolal of 3968 inleNenlions during the year across all services and actwities. a significant InCa5¢ on the projected 2184 8greed target on our delivery plan, with our cor& fijnder VSS.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA ¢ompony limoted by guarantee. not having a Share capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024 Prlnc5pal Funding Sourcgs The prin¢ipal funding sources for Mid Ulster VKtwns Empowement are currently by way ofgranl and ¢onlrad ineome Funding Vi¢tims and Survlvors Servlce Amitrd Forces Covenant Tnmt Screwfix Foundatlon Ulster Scots Mld Ulster Dlstrlct council Veterans Foundation The national lottery Communlty Fund L8opardstown Trust Desertcreate Church Acknowledgements All the work would not be possible witl)oul the support of our majorfunders the Vldms and Survivors Service. We thank the VSS staff for their continued support and assistance. The group also appreciate3 the continued support from the other fundeTS. Thls 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 wouki also like lo express thelr sincere appreciation lo all tho SndNidualslconsultants who liaise on a regular basis and esperially for tha support offered.
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project {MUVE Project IA cornpany Ilmited by guarantee. not having a share capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for Ihe year ended 31 March 2024 Flnanclal Revlew Financial perfomiance in the year to 31st Mah 2024. has been consislenl with the trustee's forecasts and expectations. Restricted reserves amounting to £67.475 and unrestrKted reserves amounfjng to £71,670 Reserves Policy The Directors recognise the need for unrestricted reserves lo be maintained at an appropriate level. MUVE'8 reserves policy is to maintain a suffiaent level of reserves to enable operallng aCtiVeS to be maintained, taking account of polenli81 risks 8nd Contingencies that may arise from time lo lime. Thè policy is reviewed annually by the Directors. The policy identifies the eslirnaled amounts required to meet finanrial risk associated with potential contingencies and UnrtaInlieS relating to the Charity's operating activities. These include.. the provision for 8n ordorfy winding-down of operations in the event of 8 signlficanl adverse event that is outside the ntrol of the charity. the fvnding of unforeseen major projects that have not begn provided for in the nomial Inanaal planning proces5. Element8 of the 18rget figure will Indude the costs for redundancy and contractual liabilities for such items as rent of offices. The tol81 for thls is expected lo be approximately £53,000. The committee have agreed how surplus fund8 beyond the amount lo be held in reserve could be used for the benefft of the projed. It was agreed that surplus funds could be used as foll¢)w¥- io gwe financial support to existing activities K required to gwe financial 5UPPOrt the assist the development of new activities and seNices to purchase 8ddrtlonal equipment for the benefit of the Project and l or replace $xSsUng equipment rf required to make minor improvements to the office space to make f( a rnore welcomlng envlronment to promote the project through printing ol posters and leafiels and the development of a communty centre website to support training needs ofvolunteerfs I committee members to support volunteers through provision of volunloeT expenses fortravel and associated c08ts to employ members of staff to work for the tharity to ¢nable it to meet its legal requirements, to provlde additional supwt for project volunteers I committe8 members and to bring additional activities and servlces Into the project. The committee will consider on a regular basis the levels of funding that il holds and how thi$ funding can be used to benefit the project and ils associated activities and services. 10
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project {MUVE Project) IA Gompany limlted by guarante8, not having a share ¢•pitsll TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 Marl* 2024 Structure, Governanco and Management The organi5alion is 8 tharitable company limited by guarantee, h8vlng been incorporated on 14 May 2013. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers ol the charilable cornpany and is governed under its Ariicle of Association. In the evenl of the company being wound up members are required to eontribute an amount not exceeding £1. Corporate Governance The ¢ornpany is committed to the princjples of Corporate Governance. and through the development of various manuals, will capture all intemal and extemal piocessss and procedures. The delailing of the company's activities in Ihls way will ensure we follow best practice guid¢lines and demonstrate appropriat8 openness. transparency, and acwuntability in all our business activities. Embracing Corporate Govemance ensures that a3 an organisation we adhere lo the highest Standards of integrity in carrying out our business and managing our finances. The company is fully aware of ts responsibilitie$ and the need for accountability, partl¢ularly in relation to the rnanagement of publi¢ money. As a group set up lo repSent vl¢tSm$ of paramiliiary violence and terrorism, it is important that suth an organisation exists to glve support to those affected by the Troubles. The MUVE project is run by a 18am of dedicated volunleers. The group has a project worf(er and offers support and advi on a r8nge of issues such as welfare and coun5elling arKI includes a dTOP-in facility as well as providing social events for ils members. The company has a board of directors of 13 memi)ers who meet regularty and are re5pon$ibla for the strategic dlredion and poliGy of the project. All seNices are offefed to victims and SUf¥Nofs of Iroublè-related violence. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from thelT work with the charity. They are only relmbursed for charitable expenses. 11
Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment Project (MUVE Project) IA ¢ompany Ilmlled ty ouwontto. not h•vlThg ¥ share capltsll TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT far Ihe yearended 31 March 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPON$JBILmes Thè trustees ara r¢spolbI8 lor prepaying tho finan¢ial Ststements In accordan wilh 4ppJiCa9 law and regulations. Company law requires the tntstees as th8 directW5 to prepare ftnanrAal 8tstgments for each finanaal year. Unr that law the tNstees hav8 8leGted to prepare the financial stalerr&nts In accord?nce with Unlted KinTr Generally Acwled Accounting Pwtice (United Kingdom Accounting Standard5 and apwliGable k8wI. Undgr tharitgble company law ihg truslee$ must not approve the finanad statements unle$$ they are satisfied that they give e try¢ 8nd 18lr of th8 State of affars of the charity and of Ih? incom8 or WApendilur6 of the Charity for Ihal period. In preparin9 these finandal ststemeThts. th¢ trustees sre r8quired (o-. select suitable aoUng policies and apply Ihem ¢onsistenUy'. make judgements and e$timale$ that are reasonablo and prudenl., ststewhelher the CharIti SORP (effective January 20151 In a¢cord8n¢e whh FRS 102 has Len folbw8d., prepare the finan¢h?I statements on the gdng concern ba%5 unl8SS it is HI&roprk9te to [eSurne thot the ¢harbty wlll ntinue in operation. The tru$lee8 are Tesponslble fN keeixng Proper 8ccounting reeard5 which dtsdose r888on8ble cturacy at any tim8 th8 financi posilion of th8 charity and tD eTrable them to en$ that the financlal statements MplY wlh, and all RegulatK)ns to te emgtnjed as cne with that ACL They are al$0 responble lor 5afeguardlng the assets of Ihe charty 8nd hence lor18klng reasonab18 Step8 for the wevenoon and éetedion of fraud 8nd other irregulorft18S. Trust•. de¢laTatlon •n unaudlled lInakn1 statènts Tolglion to th¢ finon¢lal statements comprraing the Strnont ol Flnanckl AclNIVes, th8 BalarKe Sheet. Ihe Accounting wlldes, apptying thern ¢onsi5tenUy and rnang. on a reaSonae and pnent basi5. the judgemenfs undedying thgm. Th? have been prepared in the goin9 concem basis on the ground$ that thv ¢harity 11 conlinue In operation. The tru5te•s confinn that have made availabl? lo R T J Ross & Co, Ch8rteyed Accountants. all the ¢hafftl$ secounting records and wowd8d all thè Information. Ly)oks a1 d05wngnts nec88sarylor thè compllglon 01 th8 financrdl staternent5. Thè IfUSt888 Gonffirm thatto thty t•st o1th8ir knowledge and bellef. the a)Un9 record5 r8lJed al Ihe transaCtr¢ of the chaw for the y88r 8nded 31 March 2024. Special provTr51ons relatlng to small ¢gmpanl•$ The above report ha5 boon prepared accordancg vAth the spedal prw¥ons rdaung to small comp8nl8S Part 15 ofthe Cornpanies Act 2006. Th8 lrnste8$' annual report W8$ approved on the 1 Ik Fèbruary 2025 and sl9ned on behaw of the board of trusts8S by.. y OTder*)f tho Board MT Ryan M Trustev eown MrJB Tru$te¢ 12