REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 101218 KEPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND RECEIPTS AND PA YLlgENTS ACCOUNTS THE YEAR ENDED 30 SKPTEMBER 2023 FOR MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP M.B.McGrady & Co Chartered Accounlajits Rathmore House 52 St Patricks Avenue Downpalrick Co. Down BT30 6DS
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP CONTENTS OF THE fi INANCIAL STATEMETr4TS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 Page Report of the Trustees I to5 Independent Examiner's Report Receipts and Payment Account Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Financial Statements 9t0 10 Detailed Receipts and Payments analysis
MID DOWN TrIULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THI YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 The trustees present their report with the financial statemenls of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aim5 Purpose of charity As stated in its constitution, the purposes of the charity are: The welfare of those suffering from multiple sclerosis. The promotion of research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis. In furtherance of the above objectives the charity may.. Provision of information, advice and guidance to people affected by MS Provide a range of complimentary therapies including reflexology, Provision of weekly exercise class for people with MS Organise and run ndraising events Provide annual funding to research in Queens University Belfast Facilitate monthly drop-in group meeting Assist members with fmancial support for specialist items SignifJeanÉ activities Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group provides a range of support services to individuals living with multiple sclerosis, their families, and carers. These services include inforniation, befriending, u5er-led groups, reflexology for those with MS. Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support GTOUP also supports research into the causes and treatment of MS. To support these services fmancially, Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support GTOUP receives donations from the general public and businesses mainly in County Down and throughout Northem Ireland. Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group also carries out a range of fundraising activities including quizzes, aftemoon teas and a range of one-off evenls throughout each year. Unfortunately, due to the emergence and spread of the coronavirus m05t of the fundraising activities were suspended during the year ended 30 Septeinber 2022. However, during the current year as all restrictions were lifted the Group hosted a night at the races. Beneficiaries Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group services are available to anyone living with MS, their families and throughout the County Down and Belfast area. You must be a member of Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group to use our services. Some services require a contribution towards the cost.
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Public benefit The trustees are confident that the charitable aims of Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support GTOUP satisfy the principles of public benefit as defined in the Charities Act. They have ref¢ed to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. How the charity activities deliver public benefit The charitable activities focus on supporting the needs of people with MS and are undertaken to further the charitable purposes for the public benefit. The principal aim of the charity is that of providing information, advice and guidance to people affected by MS and that of providing a range of complimentary therapies including reflexology, as well as weekly exercise class for people with MS. Monthly drop-in group meetings are also facilitated. Annual ndIng for medical research towards better treatment of, and fmding a cure for, multiple sclerosis is also undertaken by the Mid Down Multiple Support Gioup. The trustees believe equal access to its services is vital to its success, and ihat successful outcomes must be shared by all coininunities that use its services.
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 ACHIEVEIIqENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities The Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group continues to focus on producing outcomes which bring real and tangible benefits to the MS community. At all times, the Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group maintain5 Its constant commitment to developing, the range and quality of 5UPPOrt offered to individuals living with multiple s¢lerosis throughout County Down. The drive and deterniination of Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group to maintain its level of service delivery and look at the development of new services which can only happen with the continuing support of the Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Committee and its volunteers. The charity delivers its services directly to people to provide infonnation, friendship, and support as well as to reduce the isolation felt by many of those living with multiple sclerosis. The Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group also focuses on the specific needs of MS sufferers within the County Down and Belfast area. The Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group continues its excellent relationships with local GPS. This Is an effective way of raising awareness of our services and reaching out to those in need of assistance as well as receiving referrals from these practitioners. Information Our information leaflets continue to be the cornerstone of our printed infomiation service. They are distributed to medical centres, GP surgeries, coinmunity centres and on request by individuals. We also provide this infonnation at all Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group events during the year. The Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group website also continued to grow in importance along with our presence on social media, including Facebook and Twitter. The website is used to provide inforniation about multiple sclerosis as well as up to date infonnation about Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group servÈces and events. Social Media allows the Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group to connect directly with members and supporters and to gain valuable and immediate feedback about current issues affecting the MS community. As more and more young people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, this medium can only increase in importance. Assistanee The Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group knows there are times when we all feel overwhelmed with our own particular situation. There seems to be no way out. It is at times like these that the Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group is there to help and support people. They will meet wkth members to discuss any issues they might have and support them in making decisions about the best way foThiard in their own particular circumstances. They will also assist them by putting them in contact with the correct person to offer them the best advice. Reflexology The Mid Down MS Support Group continues to provide reflexology treatments in various locations throughout County Down. In keeping with all Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support GTOUP services this service is partly funded by the group Meetings Group meetings are held once a month with exception of January in a centrally located premises where members can meet to discuss current issues with people in a similar situation to themselves. These meetings are held on the fErst Wednesday of every month in Ballynahin¢h. Twice yearly luncheons are held for members and their famlly members to join together and realise that there is support out there for them to discuss any symptoms, issues or problems they may be experiencing. These luncheon clubs proved to be very popular, well attended and much appreciated.
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORIKANCE Charitable activities Research The vision of Mid Down Multiple Scleiosi5 Support Group is for a cure for multiple sclerosis is ever pi'esent and over the years we have supported medical research work at Queens UnÈversity. In this way, we join with the world community in seeking a cure. Medical research also contributes to the task of fmding better treatments which will offer respite and comfort to those who have to live with MS. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial position The financial position of the charity can be found on pages 7 and 8. Principal funding sources The principal funding sources for the charity are currently from rnernbership fees, donations, and fundraising activities. Investment policy and objectives The Trustees have decided that any reserves should be invested in secure bank dep051ts. The Trustees consider the overall retUTn on deposit accounts to be disappointing but are not willing to place valuable resources in riskier investments. Reserves policy Due to the unpredictability of the income receivable by the charity It is Ihe policy of Mid Down Multiple Sclerosis Support Group to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds to cover emergency situations that arise from time to tirlle and to also enable the charity to continue to deliver its service effectively. The present level of reserves available to ihe charity is £75,234. FUTURE PLANS The charity plans continuing the activities outlined above in the forthcoming years subject to satisfying funding arrangements. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an linincoOrated charity. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees A broad mix of business, professional and other skills are well represented on the Management Committee and all TSteeS are chosen on the basis of their willingness to serve, ability, governance experience and support of the ethos, mi55ion and philosophy of the organisatLOn. Risk management The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity nutnber 101218 Principal address 23 Tobercorran Road Downpatrick Co. Down BT30 8HU Trustees MTS J Byrne Mr G Killen Mrs M Killen Miss L Byrne Mrs J Tiplady Mr H Coffey Mrs S Mcmullan Mrs M Crossan MR K M¢Guinne55 Independent examiner M.B.M¢Grady & Co Chartered Accountants Rathmore House 52 St Patricks Avenue Downpatrick Co. Down BT30 6DS Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23 October and signed on its behalf by: Sandra Mcmullan Trustee Gerard Killen Trustee
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2023 set out on pages seven to ten. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under Section 65 of the Charities Act follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Ch8rity Commission (under Section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act). and state whether particular matters have corne to my attention. Basis of the independent examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in in accordance with the General Direotions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It a150 included consideration of any unusual items or disc105ures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters can to my attention giving me cause to believe: The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Aot 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records That the account5 do not comply with the accounting requirement of the Charities Act 4. That there is further infonnation needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (l) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Mr Malach MCG dy Chartered untants Ireland M.B.McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants Rathmore House 52 St Patricks Avenue Downpatrick Co. Down BT30 6DS 23 October 2023
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR EI NDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 2023 Unrestricted fund 2022 Total funds Notes RECEIPTS FROM Donations and legacies Charitable activities Charitable 8,143 14,306 iio iio Othei. trading activities Investment income 2,620 642 210 47 Total 11,515 14,673 PAYMENTS ON Charitable activitie5 Charitable 11,928 7,283 Total lJ,928 7,283 NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME (413) 7,390 Bank current accounts l October 2022 75,647 68,257 BANK CURRENT ACCOUNTS 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 75,234 75,647 The notes fonn part of these financial statements
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP STATEI MENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted Total funds fund CASH FUNDS Bank current accounts 75,234 TOTAL FUNDS 75,234 75,647 The fman¢ial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 23 October 2023 and were signed on its behalf by.. Sandra Mcmullan Trustee Gerard Killen Trustee The note5 form part of these financial statements
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The fmancial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity, have been prepared in accordance with the Charlties Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 using the Receipts and Payments basis. Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on it5 charitable activities. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the fLnancial statements. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 2023 2022 Fundraising events 2,620 210 INVESTMENT INCOME 2023 2022 Dep051t account interest 642 47
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 COMPARATIVES FOR THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS Unrestricted fund RECEIPTS FROM Donations and legacies Charitable activities Charitable 14,306 iio Other trading activities Investment income 210 47 Total 14,673 PAYMENTS ON Charitable activities Charitable Total 7,283 EXCESS OF RECEIPTS OVER PAYMENTS 7,390 Bank current accounts l October 2021 68,257 BANK CURRENT ACCOUNTS 30 SEPTEIIqBER 2022 75,647 io
MID DOWN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP DETAILED STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 2023 2022 RECEIPTS Donations and legacies Donations Members subscriptions 6,923 1,220 13,276 1,030 8,143 14,306 Other trading activities Fundraising events 2,620 210 Investment income Deposit account interest 642 47 Charitable activities Complijnentary therapy iio iio Total incoming resource5 11,515 14,673 PAYMENTS Charitable activities Room hire Insurance Advertising Research Social outings Complimentary services 292 357 31 5,000 1,858 3,450 605 357 160 646 5,060 10,988 6,828 Support costs Management Poslage and stationery Sundries Bank Charges 68 488 95 556 95 Governance cost5 Accountancy and legal fees 384 360 Total resources expended 11,928 7,283 Net (expenditure)/ineome 7,390 This page doe5 not forni part of the statutory fanCIal statement5