ACTION DEAF YOUTH THE TRUSTEES REPORT (including Directors Report) Year Ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees are pleased to present their financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors. report and accounts for Companies Act Purposes. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTIL4TIVE DETAILS Action Deaf Youth 1% a chariiable company limiicd by guarantcc (Nt619842). It is a charitablc company rcgi%tcrcd with the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland (102041). The registered office is 385a HOlv00d Road, Belfast, Northem Ireland, BT4 2LS. The directors of the company are its trnstees for the purpose of charity la and thmughout this report are collccliwcly rcfcrrcd to as the directors. The present directors and any past directors who strvcd during thc year are given below. The external advisors are set out on page l. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 14 August 2013 and accepted as a charity by the Charity Commission for Nonhern Ireland on 8 June 2015. The company was established under a Memorandum of Associaiion which established (he objects and pO,erS of the charitable company and is govemed under its Anicles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The number of members as at 31 March 2024 was 7. The Board is responsible for the overall govemance of the company. All directors retire at the Annual General Meeting and are eligible for appointment lo the Board of Directors for the incoming year to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting. Direetors and their interests The directors shown below have held office during the whole period from l April 2024 to the date of this report.. Rosemary Magee Richard Dougherty Graham Chalmers (resigned 23 May 2023) Pauline Walker {resigned l July 2023) Roslyn Dougherty (resigned 4 May 2023) Holly Greer Lauren Millar (resigned l July 2023) Grainne Murphy (appointed l July 2023) Solene Nugent (appoinled l July 2023) Jolene Jess (appointed 21 June 2023) Hannah Paulin Recruitment and Appointment of Directors The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. All directors retire at the Annual General Meeting and are eligible for appointment to the Board of Directors for the incoming year to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.
ACTION DEAF YOUTH THE TRUSTEES REPORT (including Directors Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 March 2024 Organisational Structure The board of directors meet on a regular basis and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. During the financial year: there were significant changes within senior management. The senior post became vacant in August following the departure of the previous post-holder (C Doherty) and a restrncture took place, splitting the posl into executive and service. The executive role was filled in Noernber by S Doyle. Meanwhile, the service-focused senior post was established in September, M'iih a ne internal appointment rnade to oversee specific operational responsibilities, J Graham. These transitions have strengthened the senior management team, ensuring effective leadership across both executive and service functions. OWECTIVES AND ACTIVITES Action Deaf Youth, fonnally Northern Ireland Deaf Youth Association, was founded in 1988 in order to improve the quality of life for young deaf people in Northern Ireland. It ivas established to alleviate the isolation perceived to be affecting larger numbers of deaf young people who experience difficulty in meeting other young people similar to them. The Association has worked to meet the social, educational and psychological needs of Northern Ireland'5 young deaf people and to enhance the quality of life and choices open to young deaf people in a youth work context. Our 2023 impact summary shows that we successfully delivered 482 sessions with 487 direct beneficiaries. Sessions included group play se55ions, youth sessions, a youth summer scheme, play therapy, Brit15h Sign Language {BSL) classes for deaf children and their hearing peers, and accredited BSL courses for parents and professionals who 'ork with deaf children and young people. Our sustained Early Years Service delivers key outcomes for children from birth upwards. Currently in its third year of ndIng from The Henry Smith Charity and previously nded for five years via Big Lottery Fund, this service has been independenily evaluated by expert researcher5 concluding a demonstrated irnpact of improved self_confidence, self_esteem, sense of belonginu language development, resilience for every deaf child. Parent5 are 5UPPOrted to navigate the world of deafness and develop the tools to 5UPPOrt their children's holistic development at home in playful way5. We are proud to deliver accredited BTltish Sign Language (BSL) classe5. taught by a highly qualified teacher who is a native BSL user. This program serves faniilies and professionals. our teaching is designed to ensure that children within our service receive the appropriate 5UPPOrt they need from both their families and the profe55ionals in their lives. By providing high_quality BSL training. we create a foundation of understanding and communication that eTnpowers children to thrive in inclusive environments. Funded by the Department of Communitie5, this initiative ha5 success11Y trained individuals across levels I to 6. This runs PaT2llel with our school'8 programme where our qualified BSL teacher will regularly visit schools attended by deaf children to support their hearing peers to develop knowledge, awareness and acceptance of deafness and BSL allowing us to evnbed covnmunity relations. equality and diversity for a cohesive and shared education. Coniinual delivcry of this crucial Early Ycars scrvicc has: Enh&nccd the quality of parcnt-deaf child communication thus strengthcTJing attachm¢nt which is prov¢n to b¢ one of thc Inost sigvnificant factor5 dctCTtnining futurc outcomcs for all childrcn Exposed deaf children to BSL and enhanced their language and literacy development through an extended rep¢rtoir¢ of communication ¢hann¢ls
ACTION DEAF YOUTH THE TRUSTEES REPORT (including Directors Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 March 2024 OBJECTIVES AND ACTtVlTES (eontinued) Enabled deaf children to be provided with learning opportunities alongside deaf peers in a linguistically rich dcaf-on-dcaf en'irOnMent spccially curated for them - Equipped deaf childrcn with altcrnativc communication tools to allcviatc frustration and improvc their cmotional wellbcing thu% prcvcnting potcntial future mental health issueg Increased parents, confidence and self-esteem in using BSL with their deaf children Connected lamilies ot. young deaf children wilh each other, creating a protectii'e peer support network - Contributed to a more inclusive society by presenting opportunities which have expanded BSL awareness across society The company's objects and principal activitics arc to: Our Vision To be the leading deaf youth organisaiion in Northern Ireland, providing quality services to meet the needs of deaf children and young people. "Transforniing the lives of deaf children and young people. unlocking boundless possibilities." Our Mission To support deaf children and young people in reaching their full potential by delivering a continuum of youth work, employability, training.. intervenlion and transition support services. At Ihe heart of our mission lies an unwavering passion-lo empower deaf children and young people, fostering social inclusion: language advancemeni. independence, confidence and opportunity. Guided by our commitment. we intemvine social. Iherapeuiic, language and educational suppor¢ crafting a nurturing ecosystem where each child and young person discovers their strengths, connects wilh their community, and achieves their fullest potential. Our Vrdlues We believe deaf children and young people are equal citizens and should be provided with opportunities to rnaximise their full potential and to develop holistically as positive citizens living in Northern Ireland. We aim for the core values in the Northern Ireland Youth Work Curriculum to be intrinsic to the lives of deaf childTen and young people. Equity We believe deaf children and young people should be treated fairly and with respect in all walks of life. We will Ireat every deaf child or young person with respect and seek to promote their well-being and devclopmcnt. Diversity We recognise that deaf children and young people will have cultural and language differences. We will continuously provide opportlmities to promote diversity and inclusion to enable deaf children and young people to participate and integrate fully in society. Inl¢rd¢p¢nd¢nc¢ Wc bcli¢v¢ dcaf childr¢n and young pcoplc will unlock thcir full potcntial by working with othcrs and developing new life skills in a supportive learning environment. We will continuously provide opportunities for deaf children and young people to connect and lo have a say in matters they face as a r¢suli of their deafn¢ss.
ACTION DEAF YOUTH THE TRUSTEES REPORT (including Directors Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 March 2024 Our Values continued The board of Trustees and Manager supervise the work of the following departments: Youth Support Service; I x Youth Support Worker in charge (prr) and I x Youth Assistant Support Worker {P/T) Early Years, Service" Ix Active Play Coordinator, 9 x Sessional Workers 'ho used and benefited from our serriees. At the heart of our sern'ice are the children and young people 'hO engage -.7th us on a weekly basis from acr05S Northern Ireland. All additional services we proN-ide, including BSL teaching, are designed to support and empower these children. By focusing our efforts on their needs, we ensure that the families and professionals involved in their lives are equipped with the skills and understanding necessary to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where they can thrive. Our Staff We operate a specialist Deaf service and have a predominantly Deaf staff team. Having lived experience, Deaf staff are uniquely placed to model a positive representation of deafness. Our sLqff team have experience, specialist training and qualifications in teaching, play work, youth ork. play therapy, BSL, and social Ivork. All staff tearn members use BSL including hearing staff who have had acce5S to specialist BSL training and support. Our in- house Play Therapist is registered with the Professional Standards Authority thus demonstrating our good governance practice5 and our commitment to continuous improvement. The staff work tirelessly, with unwavering commitment and passion, to ensure the delivery of high-quality services that directly benefit the children, young people, and families we support. Through continuous training and professional development, our staff remain equipped to meet the evolving need5 of our community. Their efforts not only enhance the live5 of those we serve but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of our evnployees for their continuing hard work and comrnitment to Action Deaf Youth. Their dedication, commitment and loyalty ha5 enabled our core services to grow providing a much_needed Service in Northern Ireland. The Board is committed to their continuing professional development to build their capacities within our organisation for new and expanding opportunities. PUBLIC BENEFIT The Tru%tee% confirm that they had due Tegard for the guidance produced on Public Benefit by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. FtNANCIAL REVIEW Against thc backdrop of limilcd rcsourccs and insccuritics over funding. it has continued to bc difficult to plan or develop 8crvice8. Incoming re%ourec8 duTing thc year wcre £231,116 (2023= £279,702). The charity had a deficit for the ycar £1 1,865 (2023.. %urplu% £22,564) and the total fun(1% at 31 March 2024 was £155,733 (2023.. £167.598), of which £141.71 I rclated to restrictcd rcscrves and £14,022 related to unTCStricted reserves.
ACTION DEAF YOUTH THE TRUSTEES REPORT (including Directors Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 March 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued) While the financial accounts indicate ongoing challenges, we are encouraged by the significant progress made in our recovery efforts into year 24125. Targeted initiatives and a steadfast commitment to our mission have yielded rneasurable irnprovernents in our Cuent position. These advanceTnents demonstrate Tesilience and a clear trajectory toward sustainable growth. We remain focused on building momentum and ensuring long-term clear trajectory toward suslainable grOth. We remain focused on building MOInenM and ensuring long-term stability for the benefit of all beneficiaries and stakeholders. Reserves Polic The Director5 have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be 6 months of total costs. Total unrestricted eXpendire for the year ended 31 March 2024 was £66,180 and therefore the target is £33,090 in general fund%. Thc rc%crve5 are nccd¢d to tncet the working capital requiremcnts of the charity and the directors are confident that at this level they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity while negotiating continuation funding. At present the unrestricted reserves are in suryjlus of £14,022 which equals to 2.5 months of unrestricted eXpendire. Investment Polic Any surplus funds and grants received in advance are placed on deposlt until such tivne as they are required for the day-to-day expenditure. Cor orate Plannin and lans for the future Thc Boards vicw that significant piogrcss has bccn Tnadc to furthcr thc objccts of thc Charity. improvc its financcs and that the internal processes implctncntcd during this PCTiod have significantly strcngthcned the organisation going fonvard. Thc clarity of vision providcd by the Corporatc Plan and its extcnsive planning processcs cnsurcs that th¢ Board is abl¢ to highlight the important issu¢s fac¢d by our young Deaf Children and youths today. Th¢rc arc no signiftC2nt chang¢s plann¢d for thc forthcoming financial y¢ar. Thc Dircctors will continuc to govcrn thc company in lin¢ with its constitution in ordcr to achi¢vc ihc objcctivcs notcd abovc. FUTURE DEVELOPMEwrs In the immediate tenn, our focus remains on ensuring the susiainability of vital services for deaf children. By Maintaining a commitment to high-quality delivery and optimising the impact of our current offerings, we aim to build upon our successes. This will enable us to generate additional support and resources to enhance and grow our services in the years ahead.
ACTION DEAF YOUTH THE TRUSTEES REPORT (including Directors Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 March 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees (who are also the directors) are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statcmcnts in accordancc w'ith applicable law and regulations. Company laiv rcquircs the directois to picparc financial statements for cach financial yeai. UndcT that la, thc directors have elected to prepare the financial slalements in accordance ii'iih United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounling Siandards and applicable law). The financial statements are required by law lo give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements. the directors are required to.. Select suitable accounting practices and then apply them consistently- Make judgeTnents and estimate5 that are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements 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 de(eciion of traud or other irregularities. Small Company exemptions This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. By order of the board of trustees ee Rosemary Magee l ec 16, 20 14.'22 GMT) Rosemary Magee (Chairperson) Approved by the directors on 1611212024