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 prepa￿d 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, wh￿h 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 Se￿ICe. 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 inC￿aS1ng 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 fo￿ard. 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, fr￿ndS 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 Co￿nant
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 A￿lS¢•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 C￿atIon 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 b￿akS 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 ￿ferra￿S
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 aWa￿nesS 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 I￿land.

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 p￿parIng 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 01￿CtOr or anyone to act on his or her behalf at
meetings of the D1￿ctorS.
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. knO￿edge 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-