Link Family and Community Centre (A company limited by guarantee) Report and Financial Statements Year ending 31 December 2023 Charlty number: NIC 101921 Company number: Nl 44326 (Northern Ireland) The Link Family and Community Centre PAGE Directors, report 1-10 Independent examiner's report statement of Financial Acts'vities 12 Balance Sheet 13 Statement of cash flows 14 Notes to the financial statements 1&24 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The Trustees present their annual directors, report and independently examined financial stalements for the year ending 31 December 2023 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report and accounts under the Companies Acl purposes. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act (Northem Ireland) 2008, the Companies Act 2006 and the company's Articles of Association and the Accounling and Reporting by Charilies.. Statement of Recommended Practice {SORP) applicable to Gharities preparing Iheir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) {effectlve l January 2015)- Chair's report As I reflect on the year 2023.1 am filled with gratitude for God's continued provision for the work of The Link Family and Community Cenlre. Ourvarious projects and programmes have gone from strength to strength under the leadership of our Director, Mark Houslon. As we have a￿ayS tried to do, we try and meet people's needs In a very practical way in an ever more challenging society. The MARC programme regularly provides Floating Support to those facing the challenges of substance dependency. The Staff and Volunteers provide hol mea15 and activities for over forty people four days a week with ￿enty-One clients being given support with their ongoing issues. The work of the team ha5 been so essential lo so many, but this means that the demand for our services results in us havlng a waillng list of clients Wishing to make use of the Se￿ICe. Our Engllsh language classes ¢ontinue to provide a much-needed serwice for the wider community across Ards and North Down. It is heartwanning to hear of the difference that the staff and volunteers are making in the live5 of folk who now call Newtownards and the Peninsula home. From helping with job appli¢alions to helping provide for driving tests the work is making a huge diffèrence in people's lives. One of the highlights of my year was being able to take part in the Carol Service organised by the clients and staff of the ESOL programme. It was extremely moving to hear carols and songs bein9 sung in their native languages and to sense how much they missed their homelands. The Ards Churches Christians Against Povety Debt Centre continues to go from strength to strength and it is really pleasing to see how well the churches in the town are working together to make this service possible. The Centre is V￿rkIng at full capacity and has engaged wth forty-four families since beginnlng work in January 2022. In fact, it has been so successful that the Bangor Centre has helped out by taking some of our clients to take the immediate pressure of the Centre manager. We rejoice with the seven families who have become debt free in the past 24 months. Our LYFE youth work has been gradually moving in a different direction and the team have adapted to meet the changing needs and demands. The work is now more aboul providing much needed support for young parents and this has been really appreciated by those making use of the service. A drop-in service is Still provided with a minimum of fifteen young people attending each session. 2023 has been a challenging year for our Link Charity Shop. We experienced a general reduction In foolfall, bul we are aware that this is something that is being eXperIen￿d by Ihe wder retail Sector. In early June, we had lo suspend our Shop Manager pending an investsgation into allegations of sexual assault against one of our volunteers. The employee remained suspended on full pay throughout the remainder of 2023 whilst criminal proceedings were progressed. Once again it is very pleasing to be able to report that our finances remain in a healthy Alate. 2nd we are grateful to God for his continued provision through our funders and through those who donate. We continualty strive to be good stewards of his provision and to make sure that the money is used wisely. As ever I would wish to thank the individual Board members for their continued support and wisdom throughout the year. We are truly blessed to have a Board that Is fully committed to the work of the Link and as we look to the future. we are excited to see where God take us in the year ahead. THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Our Aims and Objectives The purposes of the charity are: To advance Community development and, in particular, the promotion of the community and voluntary sector for the benefit of the public by providing support, infomalion, seNices and facilities lo churches and community and voluntary groups and encouraging such organisation5 to co-operate to achieve their aims- To support those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, substance dependency, financial hardship or other disadvantage., To advance education and training and promote the physical, intellectual and social development of children; To promote good community relations, religious and racial harrnony and equality and diversity; To promote volunleering and recruit. seleGt and train volunteers for services within the areas of benefit- To promote the social economy and social enterprises within Ne￿Ownards and it environs for the benefit of the general public., and To provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for re¢￿ation and other leisure time occupations with the object of improving Ihe conditions of life for the inhabitant5 of Newtownards and its envlrons. The aspiration that shapes our annual activities remains to enable children, young peop18, adults and senior citizens to reach their full potential. In partnership with others, we also provide pracllcal help and care for some of the most disadvantaged groups and individuals In the Ards and North Down Council area. Our projects address a number of key concerns.. LYFE Youth Project work5 Wlth 'at risk, young people; MARC Project seeks to support adults with subslance addictions., ESOL providing tuition for speakers of other languages Church Engagement Project aims to build relationships between churches and the local community. and Ards Churches Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre which part￿rS with local Churches to enable people to find a way out of debt; Volunteer-led Projects V￿rk with vulnerable senior citizens and mlnority elhnic communitles. Our premises are also a resource for other organisations based outside Newtownards to offer services to local people in their local area. These include counselling and youth services. We have around 44 committed volunteers who WOTk across the organisation along wth 11 full and part-lime staff. statement of Public Benefit In determining our obje¢tives for the year and planning our adivities, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission'sguidance'The public benefitrequirement {PBR1)' and also'The Truslee's Annual Report and public benefit reporting (ARR08}'. The charity relies on grants from trusts and foundations, local government, and statutory bodes. It also generates income through its social economy retail shop and general fundraising activities. THE LINK FAIVIILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Achievements and performance Addiction Su ort Services- MARC Pro ect Floating Support Although the impact of the Covid pandemic was greatty diminished as 2023 began, the MARC staff team conlinued to ensure all relevant Covid guidance was adhered to. The MARC staff were delighted lo be able to provide a full in person Floating Support service lo all clients. In addilion to providing the usual range of support (e.g., housing support. benefrt advice, assistance to address substance use), staff provided additional suppor15 such as collection of pres¢riptioi)s and food deliveries to Floating Support and Drop-ln Centre dients. The MARC Project played a signifi¢anl role in addressing mental health and substance use problems which had often been exacerbated by the pandemic through the loss of formal and informal support networks. Stsff were highly professional and committed in assisting client to access health support throughout this period. often having to provide transport and accompany clients to appointments. The service provision continued to exceed the Contracted activity figure of 18 clients., the Floating Support service was delivered to 36 individuals. The service continued to achieve excellent outcomes despite the immense challenges of the cost-of-living crisis which impacted on many of our already struggling service users. Many vrfere assisted in making significant changes in their lives - reducing alcohol and drug use, maintaining tenancies, receiving bespoke benefit advice and accessing appropriate health and social care. Drop-ln Centre The 'Drop In facllity. functioned fully throughout 2023 and staff were able to provide a full range of support seNi¢es and activities. Popular activities included pool competitions. cookery cla55es and quizzes. The MARC staff continued with its agreement with Ihe local Benefits Office whereby their staff provlded bespoke benefit advice on site at our Drop In. Uptake of this service remained high throughout 2023. As well as the Drop In, MARC staff maintained regular telephone contact, which helped redu￿ social Isolation and provided assistance with housing, benefits, and olher issues. They performed other tasks such as shopping, payment of gas and eleGlri¢ity 'top-ups' and collection of prescrlptions elc. Staff assisted service users to access support services In relation to health, social Care, and addiction. Homelessness Preventlon The Homelessness Prevention Project continued throughout the first quarter of 2023. This project provided an invaluable support with clients regularly commenting on how beneficial they had found the service to be, particularly at a time when they had often struggled to access other services. MARC staff liaised Closely with the Community Addiction Team and provided support for a number of Iheir service users, with housing and benefit problems. This vms an invaluable asset, particularly for clients who had difficulty engaging with agencies or processing online applications. Unfortunately, this service had lo be withdrawn at 31$1 March as NIHE decided to no longer provide Homelessness prevention funding due to Nl budgetary pressures. Funding Funding from The Northern Ireland Housing Executive's Supporting People has 5UPPOrted much ofthe Floating Support service. Successful funding applications were also made to the NIHE for funding from their, Housing Centre, and 'Homelessness Prevention Project.. Youth Pro ramme- LYFE Young Parent Support Throughout 2023, our LYFE staff were able to maintain a full, meaningful, and effective service. They have continued to be flexible in their approach to service delÈvery in the midst of very challenging circumstances. This has provided an essential connection with the LYFE Se￿1￿ users who partiGularly struggled with isolation and loneliness. THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Our staff provided support and guidanGe for 25 families this year and conlinued to support young parents through face-to-face contad and telephone Galls. Young parenls have not had the opportunities to complete OCNS or other courses face to face, bul we have covered budgeting, slow cooker, sexual health. and healthy eating group guidance online. Funding from The Public Health Agency has been used to cover the salary and operating costs of our LYFE Project. Youth Dmp-ln The staff team contlnued to operate our Drop In space in order to engage with 18-24 year-olds. We targeted this speGifiG age group because many of these young people feel increasingly social isolated and find it very difficult to engage with other youth services. An average of 8 young people attended each session and the team provided essential Support around self-esteem, personal growth, and resilien￿. Two new volunteers came on board to help lead on a weekly basi5. Senior Citizons, Lunch Club and Dro -In Our Senior Citizens Lunch Club and Warm Space Drop In continued weekly throughout 2023. Approximately 12 lo 15 older people attended each Monday and our volunteer team fully operated Ihis service. The Lunch Club provided a safe. welcoming and wam space for many older people who have been impacted by the ¢ost-of-living crisis. Ilsh for S eakers of Other Lan ua es ESOL Our English classes for speakers ofother languages ran at full capacity throughout 2023. Ourstaff and volunteers taught an average of 12 face to face hours per week and classes included Pre-Entry LevellESOL Lltera¢y, Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3. Alongside the service we provided to people from Syria, Bangladesh. Bengal, Poland, Latvia and Afghanistan, 2023 saw a significant demand for our services from refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. a huge influx of people fleeing the war in Ukraine. By the end of 2023. more than 70 Ukrainian women, children and young people had altended our English classes in person. Our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to also prowde a broader range of support bas8d on the trauma and complex needs these refugees presenled with. 2023 saw most sludents complete a fvll course and progress to the next level. Classes provided ESOL lessons lor mothers with small infants, particularly Syrian women who required particular cultural sensitivities. Our volunteer tutors have kept in touch with vulnerable students and continue to go over and beyond in their attempts Éo provide essential support. 'English for Driving, continues to be a popular weekly course facilitated by one of the volunteer tutors. Our lutors also work diligently to enable those who need it to train for and pass their 'Lif8 in the UK, course. We continue to liaise with olher ESOL providers and social support agencies in the area. We also continue to assist families wth education. housing. heallh and other enquirie5 where required. Funding from The Executive Office's Minority EthniG Development Fund has been used to pay for an ESOL clas5 coordinator and the National Loltery and John Moore Foundation have provided funding for our ESOL tuition. We are very grateful to our team of 10 volunteer tutors. who have continued to make every effort to keep in touch wilh students and provtde high quality tuition. Church En ement One of our key strategic aims is to develop and grow our regular engagement with failh-based organisations in the Newtownards and surrounding area. 2023 has seen us put significant time and effort into comMunity-v￿de engagement with local Churches. The Link Family and Community Centre THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 has re-established and leads the 'Ards Churches Together Forum, aimed at greater cohesion and community engagement by the churches in the area. Qur staff and volunteers continued to Contribute to the significant support and emergency intervention provided through local churches. The supporl offered included signposting to local services, provision of meals and other essential supplies to those in need and pastoral support. Ards Churches Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre In partnership with 13 local churches, The Link Family and Community Centre conlinues lo be the lead partner in operating the'Ards Churches Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre, based in our premises. The Debt Centre operated fully throughout 2023 and the Debt Centre Manager is employed, and line managed by us. We are excited to see the Cer)tre assist local people of all faiths or none, lo have the 'no strings attached, opportunity and support to face significant financial challenges and begin the journey toward becoming debt free, By the end of 2023, 7 local families have now become debt free, and we are confident this number will be added to in 2024. The Link Charlt Sho As with most retail outlets, our 7th year in the shop premises in Regent Street proved a challengSng one. This was due to the general reduction in footfall being experienced by the retail sector. Trading was consislent In the firsl half of the year but we encountered a crisis not of our making in June. The Shop Manager was charged with a serious assault alleged to have taken place in the Shop. The Manager remained suspended on full pay throughout the remainder of 2023 whilst criminal Proceedings were progressed. Our volunteerteam led by our Volunteer Coordinalor did an amazing job in keeping the shop open and trading on as many days as possible. This has presented a significant financial Challenge but our Board in conjunction with the Director now have a full mitigation pSan in place. W8 currently have 10 volunteers, some helping in the shop and others delivering and collecting donations in Ihe van. A few of our volunteers had illnesses during the year but the remaining volunteers proved amazing in the way they stepped up to help when needed. We continue to stock a great range of good quality second-hand furniture al reasonable prices and are so thankful for th@ support from the local community for the work of The Link. Flnancial review In 2023, Ihe charity recorded a deficit of income against expenditure of £35,341. At 3161 December 2023, the charity's funds V￿re £543.464 of wthich £37.490 were restricted funds and £505,974 unrestricted. The Link's charitable activities are supported by funding and donations from a viide range of organisations, charitable trusts, individuals and churches. AppliGations for funding from statutory and other bodies seek to secure full costs for the programmes and services provided. Thi5 is necessary for the sustainability of our work and for the delivery of the quality and standards ￿lch are appropriate for those we serve. The funding environment has been challenging for many years and with the financial risis of the past few years, we have along with others had to face increased costs and continuing competitive processes for even more limited resourGes. This has had substarltial impact within the voluntary and community sector. During 2023. the organisation had to draw substanlially on its fund reserves to meet rising staff Gosts and other operating costs in order to sustain and consolidate our services. Operational difficulties wilhin the organisation's charity shop also impacted negatively on levels of income. The organisation worked hard to overcome these challenges and it Gontinues to refine THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 operations and organisational structure to Ènsure that it can continue to deliver its work within resources available. Reserves policy and going concern Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and recewing of income, to cover unplanned emergency costs and other expenditure. The Trustees review the general reserve policy in light of risks associated with income streams and expenditure, planned activity level and organisational commitments. The target for 2023 was that the level of free reseNes would equate lo three months, expenditure, which is around £85,800. Total funds Stand al £543,464 of which £505,974 are unrestricted funds. Of these unrestricted funds, the available free reserve for the Gharily, after excluding tangible assets and liabilities, amounted to £79,874 at 31s1 December 2023. Thls equated to almost 2.8 months expenditure. The cash outflow from operating acts'vities in 2023 was £32,638. The Trustees are aware that efforts will need to continue to generate sufficient income to meet costs and maintain an appropriate level of free reserves. The organisalion will continue to review iniliatives to se¢ure its sustainability and financial positlon. The Trustees will retain the target for free reseNes to cover at least three months, expenditure in 2024. Plans for future periods The report of The Link Family and Community Centre's programmes, aclivities and achlevements during 2023 has hlghlighted the range of valuable VK)rk being provided to many people in the community, and in particular those who are most vulnerable and in need of support and Intervention. 2023 has seen us face significant challenges and this required our staff and volunteets to constantly adapt our practices to ensure we provided a full service. The resilience of the organi5ation was tested, and we are delighted that we passed this test with flying coloursl The organisation is well-placed to continue Ils range of services across the community of Ards and North Down. Throughout 2023, we continued lo feel privileged to get to do ￿at we do. The org8nlsation has been an active and much needed provider and has faced many challenges in recenl years. Despite the challenges, we remaln focused on learning and development, based our experiences, good and bad. We seek to use Ihls learning as we seek to plan our future service provision in a way which is fil for purpose. While aiming to maintain service delivery to a high standard and meet the requirements of clients, service users, funders and other stakeholders, the Board, Staff and Volunteer5 at The Link a committed to.. ensure we secure a broad range of fundlng in order to sustain our programmes and services the need to continually review our 2023-2026 strategy the need to continually review our structures and assets to ensure that we maintain dellvery of services which meet the needs of our community", consolidating our work with young people. supporting people with addictions and delivering our progratnmes,. and continuing to actively engage wtth local churches and relevant organisations to build constructive and supportive relationships. Reference and admlnlslrativo detsi15 Company registralion number.. Nl 44326 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Charity registration number= HMRC reference: NIC 101921 XR 60197 Registered Office.. Lamont Building l O West Street Newtownards BT23 4EN Our Advisers Independent Examiner Adrian Hall & Co 1 $1 Floor 100 Main Street Bangor BT20 4AG Bankers.. The Cooperative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6vwr Santander Commercial Bank Bridle Road Bootle Merseyside GIR OAA Solicitors.. Hewitt & Gilpin 72 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 3BA Dlrectors and trustees The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are ils trustees for the purpose of charity law. The truslees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows.. Key managemont personnol Link Family and Community Centre: Trustges and Directors El8Cted Trustees Paul Black Sarah Caimduff Gerardine Cunningham {Se¢retary) Jonny Currie Robert Hamilton Mark McFeeters James Moore David Murdie (Treasurer) Michael Taylor (Chair) Key management personnel Link Famlly and Communlty Centre: Senior Managars Djrector.. Mark Houston THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document The Link Family and Community Centre is a company limited by guarantee. incorporated on 7th Qctober 2002. In April 2015 it became a registered charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The company was established under a Memorandum ofAssoGiation and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association daled 181h May 2011. It is also registered as a charity with HM Revenue and Customs. In the event of the charity winding up members agree to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Appolntment of trustees As sel out in the Articles of Association the members present at the Annual General Meeting will elect the trustees. The number ofthe Iiustees shall not be more than fifteen and not less than six at any one time. The Trustees shall have the power at any time and from time to time to appoint any person to be a trustee, either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing trustees. Any trustees so appointed shall hold office only until the next year ft)Ilowing the Annual General Meeting and shall then be ellgible for re-election. When considering Go-opting trustees, the Board has regard to the requirement for any specialist skllls needed. Trustse Induction and tralnlng New trustees undergo orientation to brief them on iheir legal obligations under charity and company law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit. and inform them of the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Gommiltee and de¢ision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. During induction they meet key employees and other staff. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training evenls where these will facililale the undertaking of their role.7 Organlsatlon The Management Committee administers the charity. The Board meets al least six times each year. A Director has been appointed by the Board to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Director has delegated authority, wilhin terrns of designation approved by the Committee, for operational matters. Related parties and co-operatlon wlth other organlsatlons None of our Trustees received remuneration for serviGe5 provided to the charity during the year. Any contractual relationship with a relaled party be￿een a trustee or senior manager or the charity must be disclosed to the full Board of Trustees. In the cutrent year no such related party transactions were reported. The Link Family and Community Cenlre has close relationships with a number of statutory, voluntary and community bodies. We have representatives who serve on a number of committees and groups. Local agencies with which Ihe organisation engages include, Education Authority, Ards and North Down street Pastors, Housing ExecutNe. Probation Board, Social Services, Public Heallh Agency and local churches. Other bodies with which we engage include C03. North Dovln YMC& Ards and North Down Borough Council, Police Community Safety PartrErship. The organisation is also grateful to those indtviduals and organisations who offer financial support to the work of the project. THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The Link Family and Community Centre recognises the necessity and benefit of connecting people to other community services that offer support and encouragement at times of need. We believe that partnership working is essential if we are to build a stronger. healthier and vibrant community. Risk Management The Board regularly reviews risk in the organisation through an annual review of the risks the charity may face, eslablishmenl of systems and procedure5 to mitigate and manage risks idenlified. Implementation and regular review of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise. The work identified a number of risks bul has also resulted in belter management procedures and contingency plans. Particular attention has focused on non-financial risks from individual programmes and financial risks arising from securing funding for the range of programmes provided by the organisation. A key element in the management of financial risk is the review of the organisalion's reserves policy, cash-flow forecasts, income and expenditure and operating budgets. THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilitles The Trustees 116,515) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equlvalents In the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginniNJ of the year 149,012) 5,617 179,180 173,563 Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the yoar 24 130,168 179,180 14 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 Accounting Policios The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of esb'mation uncertainty in the preparalion of the financial slalements are as follows.. (al Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan￿ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the Uk and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)- {Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The Link Family and Community Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise staled in the relevant accounting policy note(s). Ibl Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis The trustees are of the view that incoming resources secured forlhe next 12 months, and measures that can be taken to manage operating cosls in year, provlde a basis that the charity is a going concern. Ic) Income Income is recognised when the Gharity has entillement to the fvnds, any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met. it is probable that the income will be received and Ihe amount can be measured reliably. Income from government and other grants, vthether capital grants or revenue grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to ihe funds, any perfomianGe conditions attached to Ihe granls have been mel. it is probable thai the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income from lax claims are included in the Statement of Financlal Aclivities al the same tlme as the gift to which they relate. Income re¢eived in advance of tenant rental or room hire Is deferred until the criterla for income recognition are met. Where a grant is received and there is uncertainty that the charity can meet the terms or conditions otherwise within its ¢ontrol, then income should nol be recognised but deferred as a liability. Second-hand furniture and other items donated for resale through the charity's shop are included as incoming ￿sOurceS within activities for generating funds when they are sold. Id) Donated servlces Donated professional seNices are recognised as income when the charity has Gontrol over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefft can be measured reliably. In accordance wth the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer timé is not recognised. The trustees, annual repori provKles more information about the contribution of volunteers. On receipt, donated professional services are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay lo obtsin services of 15 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 equivalent economic benefit on the open market. a corresponding amount is then recognised in expendilure in the period of receipl. See Note 3 for information on services donated in year. (e) Interest recgivable Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount Can be measured reliably by the charity., this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. (n Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are restricted fijnds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Ig) Expendlture Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability Is incurred. Expenditure Includes any VAT and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with allracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes, including the charity's shop. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the dellvery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It inclLKles both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance Costs include the costs of the p￿paratIOn and examination of statutory accounts, the cosl of trustee meetings and meeting of conslitulional requirements. (h) Allocation and apportionment of Costs All ¢osts are allocated between the expendilure categories of the Statement of Financial AGtivities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly. others are apportioned on an approximate basis. Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the chariiy bul do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include management, finance. personnel, payroll and administration G05ts which support The Link'5 programmes and activitie5. These costs have been allocated be￿en cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable aGtivities. (i) Assets Tangible assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is calculated to wrtte-off the cost less estimated residual value of fixed assets on a straight line basis at the following rates: Annual rate 20'h 20% 2Yo 20% Asset category Computer equipment other fixtures and fitlings Land and buildings VehiGles ts) Stock Donated items of stock are reGognised at estimated selling price less costs to sell and are sold through the charity shop. The carrying amount of stock is recognised as an expense in the THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 period in which the related income is recognised. (k) Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and bank currenl accounts. (l) Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued al the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Im) Creditors and provislons Creditors and provisions are recognised vthere the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event thal will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount du8 to settle the obligation ¢an be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their setllement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. (n) Pènslon scheme The charity operates a defined contribution ￿herne for 8 (2022.. 7) staff. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The Charity acts as an agent in collecting and paying over employer and employee penslon contributions. The ratees of contributions are 6 /a and 39h respectively. lo) Financlal Instruments The chaTlty only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind thai qualify as basi finan¢ial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value. Ip) Commitments and Contingent Liabilitles The charity may become liable to repay all or part of its grant income should it fail lo comply with the conditions set out in relevant letters of offer. Critical accounting estimates and Judgements Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values, where appropriate. The charity's principal fixed asset. the Lamont Building. V*PS professionally valued by and independent surveyor ID 2015. There is an inevitable degree of judgemenl involved in that the property is unique and the value can ultimatety only be reliably tested in the market. Slock are donated items and no actual cash transactions have been made in purchasing. Therefore the decrease (increase) in stock shown in the reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities is an accounting entry and not an actual cash movement. 17 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 Income from donatlons and legacies Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Grants Church Donations other Donations Gift Aid Total 68.125 12,950 10.588 68,125 19.726 25,542 6.776 13.954 22,486 114149 2022 122,954 The charity benefits greatly from the involvemenl and support of its many volunteers, details of whl¢h are given in the annual report. In accordance with the charities SORP (FRS 102), the economi contribution of general volunteers is nol iecognised in the accounts. Income from charltablo activities Unrestricted Rostrlct8d Funds Funds Total Public Health Agency Nl Housing Executive Supporting People Nl Housing Executive Homelessness Stralegy Nl Housing Executive Homelessness Prevention Room Hire Tenant Rental Total 29,765 78,758 28,032 7,555 29,765 78.758 28.032 7.555 4,330 4.330 3,615 152 055 2022 9.280 141923 Income from other actlvltles for rdising funds Unrestrictsd Funds Restricted Funds Shop sales Other Income Total 39.066 1,007 40.073 1,589 2022 3,088 Investment income The charity had no investment inGome (2022: £Nil} 18 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 Analysis of expenditure on costs of raising funds Charlty Shop Fundraislng Total Salaries Other Staff Expenses Operating Costs Depreciation Governance (see Note 9) Support Costs {see Note g) Total 32.762 151 24,410 700 161 32,762 151 27,644 700 161 4,900 3,234 3,234 2022 47,457 536 47,993 Analysis of expgndlture on charitable a¢tlvStie8 LYFE MARC Volunte er-led 3.189 17,360 876 7,719 CAP Other Total Salaries Other Staff Expens88 Operating Costs Depreciation Governance (see Note 9) Support Costs (see Note 9) Total 16,807 103.530 1,927 3,580 14,798 25.489 13,810 154,696 6,383 69,628 3,394 18.228 14 301 27,884 43,249 160 784 55 161 5.854 531 45,651 276 889 6,583 28,220 2022 37,000 153,732 961 21,290 52,912 265,895 Expenditure on charitable activities was £276,889 (2022- £265,895) ofvAiich £40.323 was unrestricted (2022: £25,789) and £236,566 was restricted (2022: £240,106). Analysls of expendlture: governance and support costs The charily identifies the costs of its support and governance functions. These Costs are apportioned be￿een cost of raising funds (see Note 7) and charitable activlties undertaken (see Note 8). Support Govemanca Total Basis of apportionment Salaries other Staff Expenses Operaling Cosls Depreciation Audit fees and Govemance Total 23,168 1.133 15,650 10.600 23,168 1,133 15.650 10,600 692 Project hours Project hours Project hours Floor area Project hours 692 692 19 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 10. Net Incomellexpondlture) This is stated after charging: 2023 2022 Depreciation Independent Examiners'lAuditors' remuneration 11,300 680 11,300 640 11. Analysls of staff costs, trustee romuneratlon and expenses and costs of key management personnel 2023 2022 Gross Salarles Employer's national insurance cosls Employefs pension costs Total staff Gosts 191,663 9,201 9,762 210,626 172,159 7,160 187,644 No employees had empkiyee benefi'ts In excess of £60.000 (2022: nil). Penslon costs relate to employer's contributions only. This is funded out of Un￿striCted and restricted funds. For more information on pension costs see note 1 (n). The charity trustees were not pald nor received any other benefits from the charity in the year (2022.. £nill. and neither were Ihey reimbursed expenses during the year {2022'. £nil). No charily trustees received payment for professional services supplied lo the charity (2022.. £Nil). The key management personnel of the charity comprise Ihe trustees and the Centre Co-ordinator. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £46,507 (2022.. £43.835). 12. Staff Numbers The average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees (including casual and part-time stafQ during the year were as follows- 2023 2022 Centre Director Cenlre Co-ordinator LYFE Project MARC Proje¢t Chairty Shop ESOL Project CAP Project Finance, administration and volunteer support Total 13. Related party transaGtlons There are no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure. 20 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 14. Corporatlon taxation The charity is exempt from tax on in¢ome and gains falling with section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Ad 1992 to the extent that these are applied lo its charitable objeGts. 15. Tanglble fixed assets Land and Buildings Fixtures. Fittlngs & Equlpment Motor Vehiclas Total Cost As at 1 January 2023 Additions Disposals As at 31 December 2023 530.000 65,358 3.500 598.858 530 000 65.358 598 858 D8preclation As at 1 January 2023 Depreciatlon Charge Disposals As at 31 December 2023 95,400 10,600 65.358 700 700 161,458 11,300 106,000 172758 Net Book Value As at 31 December 2023 424,000 2,100 426,100 As at 31 December 2022 437 400 16. Stock 2023 2022 Donated shop items 5,000 17. Debtors 2023 2022 Tiade debtors other debtors Prepayments 531 1.750 3.954 6,235 1.902 5,156 21 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 18. Credltors: amounts falllng due within one year 2023 2022 Trade creditors UCIT Loan AcGount Other creditors Ac¢ruals 4,492 8.883 30 10,634 24,039 3,410 16,110 30 20,514 40,064 19. Credltors: amounts falllng duo after more than one year 2023 2022 Secured bank loan (falling due in less than 5 years) Secured bank loan {falling due after 5 years) 9,147 The UCIT loan is secured by a Charge on the Lamont Building which has a carrying value of £434,600. 20. Analysis of net assets between funds General Funds Doslgnated Funds Restrlcted Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2023 2022 426,100 437,400 141.403 190,616 (24,0391 (40,064) 9,147 578 805 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Long term liabilities Net Assets 426.100 103,913 (24,039) 37,490 505 974 543,464 21. Analysls of charitable lund$ Opening Balance Incomlng Outgoing Transfers Closing Resources Resources Balance LYFE Project MARC Project CAP Other Total rostricted funds 5.235 6,996 7.820 41.465 126.645 25,128 44.124 237 362 (33.532) (132.740) (26,005) {44 289 236.566 13,168 901 6,943 16,478 36,694 Name of restricted fund, its description. nature and purposes LYFE: The fund is for running youth activities for marginalised, socially excluded and at-risk young people. 22 THE LINK FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 MARC.. The Link undertakes work to support and enable people who are SOGially excluded. because of alcohol and substan(Y dependency, to move towards greater inclusion. This fund is for the operation of the N￿ownardS Churches Christians against Poverty project. This includes funds for work viith senior citizens, a weekly loddler group, teaching English to speakers of other languages. church and community engagement and other general activities. CAP: Other.. Analysis of movement in unrestrided fund Opening Balance Incoming Outgolng Rosources Resources CIo8lng Balance Transfers General funds Total unrestricted funds 542,111 542,111 106641 106,641 505 974 505,974 Name of unrestrlcted fund, its descrlption. nature and purposes General Fund.. The genera", unrestricted funds after allowing for any designated fijnds. 22. Financial Instruments Financial Instruments measured at cost comprise loan financing provided by Ulster Communily Investment Trust. 2023 2022 Loan payable falling due within 1 year Loan payable fa511ng due in more than 1 year but less than 5 years Loan payable falling due after 5 years 8,883 16,110 9,147 25,257 The loan financing is the form of a secured loan with a variable interest rale. The lender has set the interest rate on Bank of England Base Rate +1%. 23. Reconcillation of net movement In funds to net cash flow from operatlng activltles 2023 2022 Net movement in funds Add back depreciation charge DeduGt interest income shown in investing activities Lossl