**The Disabled Drivers’ Association (NI)** 

**NIC No.:** 101269 **Inland Revenue No.:** XR73722 **Premises** 58-60 Duncrue Street, Belfast, BT3 9AR **Website** www.ddani.co.uk **Email** dda.ni@outlook.com **Trustees** President                  Raymond King, MBE Chairman                  Terence Malone Hon.Secretary          Mrs. Ann Collins, MBE Hon.Treasurer          Mrs. Teresa McCabe Minute Secretary     Mrs. Margaret McCartan Matt O’Callaghan Mrs. Moira O’Callaghan 



**Report of the Trustees for the year ending 31[st] December 2017** 

The Trustees of the Disabled Drivers’ Association (Northern Ireland) present their annual report and audited accounts for the year ended 31[st] December, 2017, and confirm that they comply with the Charities Act 2011, the trust deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 182). 

## **Our Aims** 

The Disabled Drivers’ Association is a self help organization run FOR disabled people BY disabled people and aims to concerns itself with the mobility needs of our members. 

## **Our Objectives:** 

The object of the charity is to offer help, advice, support and information to encourage people with disabilities in Northern Ireland to have greater independence through enhanced mobility. 

## **Review of activities and achievements :** 

DDA(NI) has no paid staff, receive no financial support from our parent charity in England and totally relies on local volunteers to provide our services to our membership by – 

- (a) Meeting twice a week at our premises in Duncrue Street. Although not in an ideal site the premises have been adapted for our needs with good parking, disabled toilets and easy access. 

   - (i) On Tuesdays we meet in the afternoon and after a warm evening meal provide time for members to exchange information.  The meeting end with a film show and home around 8p.m. 

   - (ii) Friday is our games night where our members enjoying a game of pool and bingo. 

- (b) Once a month we have a special outing or talk 

- **(c)** Sending out a newsletter to our members 

- **(d)** Providing a website site www.ddani.co.uk and on facebook. 

- **(e)** Liaising with local and government bodies on mutual issues 

## **February** 

Our Annual Dinner held at Dunmurry Golf Club, Dunmurry Lane, Belfast, was a success and it was great to see many old members attending this event.    A ballot was organized to pay for the live music band with prizes donated by our Committee. 



## **March** 

Our AGM was held in 25[th] March and although the attendance was small we still enjoyed a bowl of stew after the work of the meeting had finished. 

## **April - June** 

The new Committee prepared a report on our situation and as a result considered expenditure, made appropriate cuts and agreed a strategy to cut costs and fund raise to support the objectives of the charity. 

## **August** 

Funding was received from the NI Electricity Network to purchase a DVD player and projector for our film shows on Tuesdays. 

## **September** 

With support from the Micro Fund through the Community Foundation we organized our first monthly trip to Crumlin Road Gaol.  The event started, with scones and strawberry jam, before our very informed guide showed us around and related the history of the prison.  It was agreed by all it was a brilliant first trip. 

## **October** 

Our second venture was to the Titanic Centre ending with a meal at the newly opened Titanic Hotel.   “I never thought I would ever see the Titanic centre,” retorted one delighted member.  Our website was revamped with a section on facebook. 

## **November** 

A talk with video by Sloan and Joy Bell, retired teachers who are experts on video production, was well received by members. 

As a result of funding from Wesleyan Foundation we were able to send our Newsletter to over 600 members this year. 

## **December** 

A talk on personal security by the PSNI had to be cancelled until February because of inclement weather.  Christmas party in Duncrue Street was enjoyed by all and went ahead before the Christmas break.  Our Annual Ballot raised over £800 for funds. 

## **Funders and Supporters** 

Our thanks go to our funders and supporters for their help throughout the year. 

Belfast Harbour Commissioners 

NI Electricity Network 

Micro Fund, Community Foundation Wesleyan Fund, Community Foundation 

Enkalon Foundation