## **Chairperson’s Report** 

## **Annual Report 2022 - 2023** 

## **Financial Accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023** 

The purpose of the Down Right Brilliant (“DRB”) is: 

- To establish and run a non-profit organisation in the Newry & Mourne area to encourage people with Down Syndrome to achieve their full potential 

- To promote the integration of people with Down Syndrome within the local community 

- To provide support and assistance to all parents of children with Down Syndrome 

- To provide appropriate support and information to new parents of babies with Down Syndrome 

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 that the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purpose and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries. 

Income for the year of £33,838 (2022: £13,799) was significantly higher than the previous year. DRB was able to increase fundraising activities, following the pandemic-related restrictions of the previous two financial years. 

At the year-end DRB had cash of £50,549 and is well-placed to continue with it’s charitable activities. 

|**Income**|**33,838**|
|---|---|
|Outings|8,430|
|Drama|2,599|
|Speech Therapy|570|
|Other Activities|7,975|
|Room Hire|7,080|
|Wages|18,680|
|Equipment|356|
|Sundry Expenses|2,246|
|Bank charges|247|
|Exchange|(23)|
|**Expenditure**|**48,160**|
|**Net Income / (Expenditure)**|**(14,322)**|
|**Cash at bank and in hand**|**50,549**|



New parents and their families continue to join DRB and there are currently 60 members. 

DRB continued with weekly speech and drama classes for its members. DRB also operated its weekly youth club for Junior and Senior members and their siblings, with activities including arts and crafts, exercise, dance and film nights. Furthermore, DRB held its children’s Summer Scheme which included a visit to an outdoor activity centre and a well-being workshop. 

Regular meetings were held for parents with a variety of speakers relevant to Down Syndrome. Furthermore, DRB organised well-being events for parents. 

## **Committee Members** 

Yvonne Curran (Chairperson) Karen Martin (Treasurer) Caroline Digney (Co- Chairperson) Douglas Martin Joan McGuinness Marissa McShane (appointed 20 October 2022) Mary McAleenan (secretary, resigned 20 October 2022) 

During the year DRB held three large events; a gala ball, a Christmas dinner and a fashion show. 

## **Yvonne Curran, Chairperson** 

**2023** 

_Down Right Brilliant Annual Report Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC100736_