Charity Registration No. 100908 Cornpany Registrntion No. N1607703 INorthem Ireland) AA VETERANS SUPPORT ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023
AA VETERANS SUPPORT LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trurte•s Mr A Allen Mr M Bingham Mr T Keenan Mr Alan Meams Charity rwmber 100908 Company numb•r N1607703 R•glstered offlce Unit C3 Edendery Industrial Estste 326 Crumlin Road Belfast Co. Antrim Northern 5reland 6T14 7EE Ind•pendent •xamin•r FPM Accountants Limited 1 3 Arthur Street Belfast Co. Antrim Northern Ireland 8T1 4GA
AA VETERANS SUPPORT CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Independent examiner's report 13- 14 Statement of financial actlmtles 15-16 Balance Sheet 17 Notss to the financial statements 18-28
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 30 June 2023. The accounts have been prepad in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companie5 Act 2006 and 'Accounting an Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 20191 OPENING STATEMENT FROM OUR CHAIRMAN - THOMAS KEENAN l am delighted to present the Annual Report of the U Veterans Support Trustees for the year endiryj 30 June 2023, highllghting our accomplishrnents and endeavours over the past twelve months. Since our Inception in June 2011, our Journey has been marked by resilience and dedication, overcoming various challenges, notably the recent impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent cost-of_living crisis, whh have affected numerous household5. Throughout the year5, we have remained steadfast In our mi55ion, delivering a diverse range of support services to thou5and5 of vetèrans and their farnllles throughout Northem Ireland. From re5Plte breaks to counselllng, from outdoor octivities to camaraderie-building breakfast clubs and a dedicated film club, our support service offerings have provided vital assistance. None of this would have been achievable without the unwavering support of our volunteers, the genèrosity of the public, and the Invaluable contrlbutions from our funders, including the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the National Lottery Awards for All. Our monthly veterans, breakfast clubs have served as safe havens, fostering camaraderie, and providing essential information about available support services to countless veterans. Additionally, our Tri-SeNlce Veterans Football team ha5 not only tralned diligently but has also engaged in matches against other teams, fostsring a sense of community and pride. A small team of our dedicated volunteer5 have tirelessly worked towards not only the establishing the Veterans Outdoor Actiwty cent in Banbridge but further expandiTrg its output offering veterans their farnilles a wide array of outdoor activities to enjoy and bond over. The increasing demand for respite breaks during the caravan season underscores the critical role these breaks play in the well-being and rejuvenation of our veterans and their families. As bookings fill up rapidly, it is evident that these brea provide much-needed relief and support to individuals who have seNed our country with honour and dedication. Our re5Plte break5 offer è Sanctuary from the daily challenges and stresses that veterans and their farnilies may face. They provide an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones in a peaceful and supportive environment. For many, these breaks serve as a lifeline, offering a temporary pr1eVe from the physical and emotional tolls of Tnilitsry SeICe. Moreover, the respite breaks promote mental kealth and emotional resilience by providing individuals with the time and space to focus on sew-care and reflection.
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 As we witness thè inCaS1ng demand for resplte breaks, we recognise the pressing need to expand cur capacity to accommodate MO individuals in need. We are actively exploring opportunities to broaden our offerings and expand the number of breaks we can provide each year. Beyond these projects, we have continued to provlde welfare assistance, counselling, and other forms of 5UPPOrt while actwely participating in events and engagements across the province. Our outreach efforts, including veterans, infomation se55ion5, have aimed to raise awareness about the services we provide within the veteran community. In conclusion, I wish to express rny heartfelt gratitude to our staff, volunteers, trustees, and SLPPOrters whose dedication and commitment have propelled our mission foard. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver essential services to the Service community throughout Northern Ireland. l also extend my deepest appreciation to the publio especially during these challenging tirnes, their continued generosity and support. Your contributions enable us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who seNe or have served and their families. Together. let us continue to make a posltfve Impact. Thomas Keenan VS Chalrman)
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 ObJectlve$ and activities The trustee5 of M Veterans Support present their annual report and accounts for the year-end 30 June 2023. The accounts have been prepared In accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the finanoal statements and compty with the charitys Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Comp[e5 Act 2006, the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by CharitSes ISORP 20051. issued in March 2CM)5 and the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 20081. OBJECTIVES The Charlty's objects I'objectsl are specifically Testricted to the following.. - To promote the welfare and well-being of all serving and ex-service men and women from or INing in Northern Ireland by all or any of the following means.. 1. Provide, secure or promote the promsion of counselling and other fomis of therapeutlc intervention, training and other assistance to find suttable employment, rehabilitation and resettlement services, advocacy, advice and guidance and general support services., 2. Provide respite and support serwees to the families and carer5 of such per50n5,' 3. Seek to obtain medical treatment within Northern Ireland for all those who are injured.
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR EIVDED 30 JUNE 2023 PUBLIC BENEFIT The public benefits that flow from the purpose of promoting the wèlfare and well-being of all service and ex-servlce men and women living in Northern Ireland are - (11 Improved coping skills to deal with the adjustment to civilian life- reduced levels of stress and anxiety, Improved self-care and self-help strategies and enhanced self-esteem and confidence leading to better mental, physical and emotional well-being,- and enhanced employment prospects resulting in reduced levels of financial hardship. {21 Reduced levels of stress and anxiety on the part of family members and Increased knowledge and understsnding of the range of support seNices available and how to access them. (31 Diminished sense of isolation and heightened contact and engagement with family, frndS and community. The beneficiaries are setwice and ex-service rnen and women living In Northern Ireland and their farnilles and carers. These benefits can be evldenced by internal progress records kept by AA Veterans Support feedback from beneflciaries, evaluations of the work and impact of AA Veterans Support and ongoing research into the problems arising from adjustment to civlllan Ilfe. No harm or private benefit arises from these purpose& Accommodation/housing Advice/advocacy[Inforrnation Counselling/support Disability Education/training General charitable purposes Human rights/equalty Medical/health/sickness Relief of povety Research/evaluation Volunteer development Welfare/benevolence
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRusfEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 Achievements and performance Counselling 5ernces In the past financial year. our counselling services for veterans have maintained a strong trajectory of support and engagement We have seen a consistently high number of veterans seeking mental health assistance., which came majority as direct referrals but a150 through partner agencies. Throughout the reporting period, we have sustained our capacity to promptly respond to veterans, needs, ensurlng tirnely access to mental health appointments. The majority of appointments were scheduled and conducted within provlded withln a 48-hour window from the initial point of contact. This swfft response time underscores our commitment to delivering t5mely and effective support to those In need. Operatlng across Northern Ireland, our dedicated team of eight experienced counsellors has been Instrumental In deliverlng compassionate Ca and assistance to our veteran community. Collectively, they have contrlbuted a total of 344 hours of counselling services during the reportlng period, exemplifyng our steadfast dedlcation to meetlng the mental health need5 of our veterans. As we reflect on ourperformance and servica delivery, remain Steadfast in our commitment to providing accessible. responsive, and iinpactfvl mental health support to our veternns across Northem Ireland. Additionally, we extend our immense gratitude to the National Lottery Awards for All who provided fu7ding to support the deliwery of counselling. rackling Isolatlon thmugh Camping Pmjert Thanks to the generous funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, our Tackling Isolation through Camping Project now in its second year, has made significant strides In enhancing the well-being of veterans and their families throughout the reporting period. Thi5 initiative empowered AAVS to procure a diverse array of camping equipment facilitating immetsive outdoor experiences for veterans and their families. Our recently established Veteran's Outdoor Actlvity Centre. sltuated just outside Banbridge, stand5 as a pioneering endeavour in Northern Ireland, offering a comprehensive range of outdoor activities tailored to the unique needs and interests of our veteran community. From engaging in bushcraft activities to mastering archery, airsolt outdoor games, fishing, and navigatlng the waters through kayaking and canoeing, our veteran participants have embraced a wealth of opportunities for carnaraderie, skill-building, and rejuvenation. Through the Tackling Isolation through Camping Project, we have not only provided recreational oulets but Iso fostered a sense of belonging and connection among veterans, thereby mitigating feelings of isolation and promoting holistic well-being. As we reflect on the accomplishrnents of this projec( we express gratitude to the Armed Forces Conant Fund for thelr unwavering 5UPPOrt and affIrM our commitment to enriching the lives of veterans and their families through innovative and inclusive initiatives.
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 Veterans Breakfast Clubs and Chrlstnms Lunch Throughout the year, we delivered a Series of Veterans Breakfast Club5 on a monthly basis, along with a Vèterans Christmas Lunch event. These initiative5 were designed to foster a sense of community and support among service personnel. veteran5, and their families, helping to tsckling loneliness and isolation. Provided f ree of charge. these gatherings Served as inclusive spaces Whe attendees could corne together to share stories, build camaraderie, and forge lasting friendships. Beyond the enjoyment of a heaty breakfast and lunch, these events served as invaluable platforms for disseminating infomiation about available support seNces and resources tallored to the needs of veterans and their families. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding and enhancing our outreach efforts, ensurfng that every veteran and their family members feel valued, supported, and connected within our community. We continue to havè a positive working relationship wilh other veteran's charities and sector stakeholders who we have worked closely with over the past twelve -months and in some instances in direct partnership to deliver projects. We recognise these relatlonships a crucial to ensu we deliver the best people support for those who serve or have serwed and their families throughout Northern Ireland. We will endeavour to not only malntain but also grow these relationships with other service charitie5 and statutory agencies, as they are of vital importance to our service delivery. Veterans Footbaii ream and IFA Ahead of the Game PmJe(t We are pleased to present the progress of the Veterans Football Team and the IFA Ahead of the Game Project as part of our annual report made possible through funding from the Armed Force5 Covenanl Fund Trust. In collaboration with the Irish Football Association, our Ahead of the Game Project continue5 to flourish. We are proud to report the establishment and succes5 of our veteran's football team, which has shown remarkable growth since Its inception. The team convenes regularly for training sessions and has actively participated in numerous spirlted and competitive rn,atches. Notably, they showco5ed their skills in toufnarnents, one held in Northern Ireland and the other in England. Furthem}0. the project surpassed our initial expectations by delivering a greater number of football coaching qualifications. This achievement facilltated the increased participation of veterans in our proje¢ with many of them extending their involvement to local clubs. We are delighted to witness the project'5 positive impact and look forward to its legacy through the qualifications delivered and the establishment of the veteran's football team.
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 Veterans Film PmJ¢rt The Veterans Film Project successfully wrapped up its activities for the reporting year by offering three courses tsilored for veterans an additional course than the tr40 originally planned. Moving forward, we are preparing to introduce a more in-depth video editing course in the following months to complement the three film projects. These initiatives equipped veterans with diverse skills in film production, spanning script writing, sound design, lighting techniques, videography, and more. Furthemore, the conclusion of the Armed Forces Covenant Funded veterans film project does not math the culmination of the overarching initiative. As previously mentioned, a comprehensive video course will kick off soon, adding to the project's legacy. With a wide range of e55ential filming equipment now at our disposal, coupled with advanced editing Skills, veterans wlll soon be able to produce mini productions in the near future. Wellarn AlS¢•n(e and Respite 8reaks Throughout the reporting period, our welfare and outreach team were heavlty engaged in as515ting veterans with a wide array of challenges. These included but were not limited to cost-of-liwng increase, housing concems, financial benevoSence, and as515ting in the establishment of setting up a home. Like pre-pandemic years, we witnessed substantial demand for our respite breaks. Our available dates filled IJP swiftly. nece551tating the CatIon of a waiting list. The overwhelming demand underscores the necessity for expanded capacity, a matter currently under exploration. Our breaks provide much-needed relief and support to Individuals who have served our country with honour and dedication. Our respite breaks offer a sanctuary from the dally challenges and stresses that veterans and thetr famllles may face. They prowde an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and reconneci with loved ones in a peaceful and supportive environmenL For many, these bakS serve as a lifeline. offering a temporary reprieve from the physical and emotional tolls of military seNice. Moreover, the respite breaks promote mental health and emotlonal resilience by providing individuals with the time and space to focus on 5elf-care and flectIOn. Sorne of the main services we provlded durlng this perlod were.. Counselling Support groups Benefits advice & guidance {including form flllingl War pension & AFCS support and ferraS Housing advice, guidance, and signposting Welfare Grants Respite breaks Breakfast clubs A range of bespoke projects
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 Reserves Policy The total funds of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2023 were £45,865 (2022.- £84,379) which includes restritted funds of £3,244 {2022.' £1,019) and therefore not available for general purpose of the charity- The trustees have developed a reserves policy in order to protect against unforeseen circumstances. The policy states that AAVS will seek to build sufficient financial reserves to provide for twelve rnOnt in ordèr that the charilies ability to deliver services and develop the business in the manner planned can be achleved without any negative impacL At 30 June 2023, the charity's free reseTres are £20,866 which represents 2.25 months of unrestricted expenditure on charitsble artivities. The reseNe5 policy is kept under review and arnended accordingly to ènsure current and futu demand is met Risk Assessment The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major rlsks.
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES. REPORT {CONTINUED){INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORn FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN AND GOALS Our priorlties for 2020-2025 reflect the growing demand for our services and the need to campaign to ensure those who serve or have setved and their families throughout Northern Ireland ceIve the best possible support ¢er the course of the past 5 year5, we have delivered and built upon many aspects of our 5-year strategic plan. Our centre has become a central hub for veterans in North'ern Ireland - providing one-stop shop, which provides many vitsl support services under the one roof. Further to our centre in Belfast, working in collaboration with a dynamic group of former service personnel, we have, through the support of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, worked to establish a second hub providing sUPPOrt within the Londonderry and surrounding area5. Develop new and continue to deliver existing support seNices whilst evaluating areas of improvement and ongoing need. Evaluate the Smpact support 5ervlce5, are havlng and better inform any required improvements or changes. Continue to maintain and grow our 'Drop In & training Cer)tre'. • Continue to raise funds in order to support existing activitle5 and growth plans to meet the need of our service users. Build new and grow existing relationships with other seTvlce providers to maxlmlze the benefits for the 5eNice user - both within the statutory and voluntary sertors. Develop our volunteers, systems and operating method5 to ensure that they effectNely support AA Veterans Support's charitable actlvities, growth and development. • Cary out research into the needs of our seTvice users. • Continue to develop and grow our counselling service alongslde therapeutlc support group5 across Northem Ireland. Develop and grow our 'on the ground, presence and aWanesS of our 5eNlces. In the coming year we will be reviewing and where necessary updatlng our 5-year strategic plan and goals to ensure that as a organisation we contlnue to deliver the maxlmum output for those who Serve or have served and thelr families across Northem Iland.
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUIVE 2023 Structure. governance and managernent The charity is a company limited by guarantee. Every mernber of the Company undertakes to contributs to the assets of the Compary, in the event of the same being wound up while it is a member, or within one year after it ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Company contracted before it ceases to be a member, and out of costs. charge5 and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories arnong themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding £1. The Trustees meet at leagt once a month and further as required. AA Veterans Support is a member of the following bodies and are commltted to best practice: The Confederation of Service Charities ICOBSEO) The Northern Ireland Veterans, Support Forum Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Attion (NICVA) Fundraising Regulator NIVSO Mental Health Forum The trustees, who a a150 the dlrectors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the dats of signature of the financlal ststements were.. Mr A Allen Mr M Bingham Mr V Hewitt, Mr T Keenan Mr Alan Meams (Resigned 20 May 2023) Trustees Res onsibilitie5 The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prattice. Company law requires the trustees to prepare flnancial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit for that period. In pparIng the financlal ststements, the directors are required to.. selert suitable accounting policies and then apply them conslstently; •/ make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., •/ prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it Is Inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The tr(tstees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy, at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company. and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention, and detection, of fraud and other irregularities. 10-
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 DIRECTORS (fRUSTEES) A Director Must be aged eighteen years or older. No one may be appointed a Director rf he or she would be disqualified from acting under the provisions of article 34. The number of Directors shall not be less than three. A Director may not appoint an alternate 01CtOr or anyone to act on his or her behalf at meetings of the D1ctorS. APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOliS (fRusfEES) Not less than three-quarters of the Board of Dirertofs shall be made up of serving or ex-service men or women. The current board of trustees for AAVS recogni5e the importance of having a diverse board, bringing a wealth of skills, experience, views. knOedge and approaches. New trustees are invited onto the Board at the annual general meeting and new board members receive induction training upon membership of the board. 11
AA VETERANS SUPPORT TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 In relation to the financial ststements whlch comprise, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.. The trustees approve these financial staternents and confim that they are responsible for them, including 5eletting the appropriate accounting pollcies, applying them consistently and making, on a reasonable and prudent ba51S. the judgments undertylng them. They have been prepared on the 90ing concem basis on the grounds that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees confirrn that they have made available to FPM Accountants Lirnited, all the charity's accounting records and provided all the information necessary for the compilation of the financial statements. The tnJstee5 conflrm that to the best of their knowledge and belief, the Jccountlng records flect all transactions of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2023. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Mr T Keenan Trustee 12-