RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The irustees have pleasure in sutsmitling Iheir annual report iogether with the audiled fir￿ncIal slaiements of ihe organisation f￿ the year from 01 Ar*1 2023 to 31 2024. Relale Nl is a registered charity INO. NIC1021021 and a company Iwnited by ojarantee (No. Nl 0321111. The company is regisiered 8t 3 Glengall Street. Belfast, BT12 5AB_ The 0rwisa￿.on is governed by a Memor8ndurn and thejes of Association. The Tiustees ol ihe company consider the result and CUfTent financial w)sitK)n to be sab'sfactory. The Bozrd of Relate Nl On the date of approval of this ￿1￿￿1, trust*s we￿. Natalie Dowey Ichairl Aidan Bennett (Treasurer) Vemon Fox Felicity LamrLKk Bernie Kelly (Vice-chairl Sarah Colè Siobhan Casey Nikki Amstrong Th8 financial stst8ments hav8 b8én pr8par8d in acthrd*c8 Wth th8 accouttbffj S8t out in not8 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's goveming docutnent, the Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounting and Reporbng by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Praclice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wth the Finantial Roporling St2ndard aPp￿tabl5 in thg UK and Republic ol kBland IFRS 1021. leffBctivg 1 January 20191. Vision, Mission and Values of Relate Nl Vision Staternerrt Relale Nl's vision is "A fu￿re in wtrmch healthy relationships forrn Ihe heart of a thrwing gxielf Mission Statsment Relale Nl's ftwssion is To make expert infomiat#M arml susy)rt for healtrty relationships available for eveTrone' RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Purpose and Activitie5 of the Chari The purposes of Ihe c￿rity are". al lo educate the public and w)dividuals con¢eming ihe insb"lution of marriage, cfvil p8rtnerships and Secu￿ couple relationships wtth particular reference lo emtional. physical and sexual felab'onship5 anLI wth a view to developing personal responsiblities erithing lamily Irfe. bl lo prornole research into all aspecis of ma￿lage. cr¥il partnerships and secLre c(wple relationships and to publish the resuts of all such researth. cl lo safeguard. seek to enhan￿ arKI protect Ihe g￿1 healih ￿th mentsl and physicd of ad￿￿S and childreTh. dl to encourage conflict resolution and reconuliation and to prevent povety, hardship and distress caused by the br&8k-up of rnarria￿, civil partnership or olher reiab"onship. el to offer asSislan￿ and support to victims of domestic thse. fl to educate and engage with perpetrators of dornestic abuse in order lo pr￿nOte reconcAliation and avoid future abuse frorn occurring. gl to offer psychosexual Iherapy. h) to offer assis1an(B to individuals int8wauing wilh h8alth and S(￿131 and th8 crirninal justic8 SySt8ms,' and i) lo offer guidance and assistance to individuals, couples. groups and families on all asF£cts of relationship5 regatdless of age, sexual orierrtation or tdationship siabjs. RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The main activiti.es undertaken in lelali￿ lo ihese purposes &e: Purpose lal- Relste Nl publishes a fsnge of infOr￿￿110n in written v¥Jeo format orn digital plaffoms for thè benèffil ol the public, individuals. parents and service Flanners and to f&il"tale and promoie acctts lo our relationsf4p counselling seNicès for families. Children and y(KJng ￿￿le. Purpose (bl- Relate Nl Ljndertakes evKJence based aThJ acbon researth into a wide range of relationship issues and publishes ttre results ol Ihis research for Ihe tr￿er1t of infr>miing the public and to Influen￿ pubh"c pol¢y on relabonship issues. Purpose Icl- Relate Nl provides relaiionship ¢ounselling services triroughout Nl. We enhance emotional v4ellbeing in individualy. couples, fatnilies ￿t￿mun[be5 ty delivering professonal coun5elling and therapeutic se￿1¢e5. Purpose Idl- R¢lale Nl provides a range of o)unselling servi¢es which support Midividuals, couples. families, ¢hildren and young people and Ilevelops participates n inlegraled partnership projeGts wth other organisalions which focus on delivering jryned up. wraparound services for Ihe benefil of the cwrnunity. Purpos8181- R8lat8 Nl provides counselling Services lo th8 ¥icbm&survivors of dom8Stic abuse. Purposa ID- R818t8 Nl providès counselling servicès to Iht pèrpetralors of domèstic abusè and dèlivars awar8n8ss and training programrnes Ir￿uding our'salety in Relalonship5' prograrnme to th8 perpetrators of dotn8Stic abuse. Purpose Igl- Relate Nl pmides psychosexual Iherw io individuals and couples to he￿ adthess sexual dysfunction and intitnaGy 155ue5. Purpose Ihl- Relate Nl provides counselling services in patherslip wilh a range of parkners in Ihe statutory. voluniary and comtnunity sectors to tEople interacting Wtth the heamh arKJ s(Kial tzie and criminal justice sy5terns and Purpose lil- Relate Nl prornoles equalty of Lyporiunity and gjod relations and we promote deliwer counselling services to everyone in Ihe (x)rnmunity. RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Public 8èn&flt Relate Nl's Trust98 Board has taken thje reg8rd of the Northern Irdand Charity Commission's guidance on public ben8fit. The organisalion's counselling. inlotmation. educalion and iraining seNic8s further Relate Nl's purposes for the public benefrt in terms of the following= al An understanding, knovAedge and awareness by the wtdic ol whal wnsiilules posilive emotional reLilionships which contributes to healthy relalionships- bl Inc￿ased indivieual and collective kn￿edge, urthrstandiTh) and awareness ol the health and wdlbeing needs or sitive relab"onships whid) eorntribuie to knily potcy develorKnent li Northem Ireland", cl Impro￿ed emolional, menial and physical heamh Mellbeing and irKreased capacity to denv)nslrdle resilien￿ by both adults and clM"Idren", dl Enhancement o11he stabilily of relationships, relief of the emolional npact of sep3ration due to famly breakdown and re-esiablishment of a level ol trust betsveen couples and p¥lners. This enables clients to lead rnore effective lives through improved Iolalionships. enables Ihtrm lo continue wilh daily 8ctivib.es and improvtss their ability lo continue in employment or education., el Improved èmoli(x)81 *KI mènl811*8llh we1lbe￿g. enhan￿1 *lf-esieern al￿ reslierKe of Ihg victims and survivors of domestic *)use and Violen￿., fj Improved behavioural Chan￿ arn¢)ngst the ￿P￿tratOrS of domeslic abL6e wh￿h 1&3ds to reduced viclimisation and a reduction in the frequency and severity of domestic abuse. Improved safety in rAlalionships is also reported by partners and children affecled by domestic abuse" gl Impr(wed sexual function in reS￿￿se to the sexual difficullie5 experienced by dients: h) Impraved atnotional. wnent813nd physical health w8llbeing and increased resi1￿C5 d8monstrat8d by btsth adults and children: i) lrnproved emotional, mental and tkny5iLzI health Wel1b￿.￿g and ￿s111e￿￿ of indi¥idua15, couple5, gtOUPs and famili85 within pqiiAlily 5Jncl rli¥pr4ily sprvir.p dAivp_ry rAwrtp.xl All of the benefits in purposes lal to le) are demonslrated through feedback from our client5 through evaluation questionnaires, the use of clienl oulcornes measurement tools. I￿nItoring and evaluation ol our sermces by bolh statutory health and social care and voluntary funding organisalw)ns. These benefils are also demonstraled by independently commissioned evaluatlDn5 of our services as may be undertaken from th.me to b"me. RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Achl¥veménts and Perfoman Relate Nl is the leading relationship sUPPOrt chaiity ifi North8rn Ireland focused on tho promoting th8 itnPDrtanc8 of healthy relalionships,. p￿ventIng ￿latiOnsh￿ distress: and protecting people at b.rnes of relatiortship breakdown. We provide a range of high qualty and $￿claI1$1 support set¥￿e$ to pe¥Ae right a¢ross Nofflhom Ireland. Relale Nl servKes nclude". Relate Kids- ccunsellirrfJ for children from the ap5 of 4 - 12 • Relate Teèn- couns8lling for young peLyl8 Irotn 13- 19 Adult Relationship counselling couples and ￿dIvIdualS Family C￿nSellIng Psychosexual Therapy Schools Counselling • Education ond trainiry whith Ir￿k￿leS our Relationshits and Sexuality Educath"on IRSEI work, education programmes and our counsellor1raining_ Developn￿nI ¥nrJ delivery of inlonnation ￿￿paIg1)S airned at SUPPOtting people with the ktK)wledge and skills to be aL>le lo develop heallhv relationships. recognise when relationships aren'l healthy and negotiate relationship transitions. Delivery of projects in h'ne wilh the org8nisation's charilable purposes. In 22123. Ihe delivery of Sustaining Healthy Relationships project continued and a n8w pN4ed, Goldon Throad8.' A R8lalion81 Approach to Improving A4ontal Wellbeing Commen￿￿. Emerglng themes from caseworft During 23124 the ern8rging Ihemes that have become evident are cenlered ar￿nd domestic vio18nce and a)use. family separation and family difficulles. child adull safegLJardiry risks. mental health and addictionl substance rnisuse. There has been an increased need for because of 1he escalatirwJ demand fLV health & social care slatulory seNices which is often reflecting ￿ increase in ￿e complexity of tssues and needs Ihat dients are p￿senting wth. Through Intèrnal clini￿1 consults and kgy ffindinys from dini41 practicg. the dala indicatgs.. High levels of anxiety and stress in relation to work pressures and fina￿131 impact of cost of living risès with parents having to rnake radical choic8i to P￿V￿le for families Finanoal worries impacting on iNthvMJual well-being aNJ frdmily relationsl¥ps Mpnl31 hpHWh r>f yniJngp.r r.hildrp.n partir.iilarly pxppripneing anxipty Inw mnnd with v.IKx)I rp.fij￿1 hping identified In sthty)18. 1here are higher levels of safegu8rding issues concems regardin9 pupils. Many of these relate to issues in parenls. own rr￿tal heallh and olher INe event traurnas such as bereavemeni and losses, past DVA or historical abuse Supporting family relationships around chihj diagnosis of neurodivergence and trwsgender idenblies. Increasing numbers ol farnilies unablè to &cèss as￿$Mant for childr8n's diagnosis of Naurc4Jivèrgèncè or able to mèèt thresholds for CAMHS seTrices RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Idenliffied younger children in s¢hools thal do not meet thgir needs, i.e. speualis1 s¢hools would be rnorg appropriate however. litrmted spaces available. in¢xease stress on teather5 and parents as a result arKI possibly related lo COVID-19 aN1 Icdtdowns. (Schodsl Slight increase in LAC dients Ischoolsl In¢reasiThJ demand for soparation and c0-pa￿ntIng cotw)Sg11iw support and SU￿rting CYP vA)&re famlly sep8ratK)n has bg8n prgsgrnted 85 a referring issug. Family 5eparatK)n'. Increa58 in contact arrang8m8nts disput8s arKI Ihe itryaci on par8nts and children. court involverr￿1 and risk issues. CYP. Schools. co￿leS & Farnily swices. Self-ham) I suicidal ide*ion appears trj have in￿e0$ed slightly in CYP & sdKKAs ¢)unselling. Complèx couples. rèf&rrals. Traumathc bad(grounds and social work involvemènt. often childrèn bèing on thg CPR or plac8(l in care I kiThship placetn8nts. Increase in refwrals relaied io mental heallh coN*tions {some mfe complex and enduringl and 1heir impacts on relatk)nships. Small ￿￿reasE in addiction relaled issues and ils impact on relationships aThJ the wider family. 2023- 2024- The year in review In 202>2024, Relate Nl has continued ils ftwssion Supp￿￿ng i￿liVI￿val$. ¢(NJples families to strengthen ￿lationshipS through expert counselling, educalion and adv(tacy. In a yew mathed by unique challenges and opportunilie& our 1eam has worked lirelessly to adapt, inTh)vate, and grow our core services to continue supp)rt ts meet the growing needs ol our comm(Jnities. K8y Hlghllghts In Seplember of 2023, we fvitrodL￿d a new customer RelatKffiship Man￿￿ent system ICRMI. With Ihe collaboration of JP Morgan. w8 hav8 WDrked closely in d8veloping and streaThlining how we SUPPDrt dients and tnanag8 data. The system has already led to enhanced efficiency. 11 has redul￿d administrative burde￿ and allowed for the enrbchment of data collection and improved how we use this to improve our services. Our Golden Thrèads Programm8 proved suc￿Ssful in thè Southam Trust ￿. It was thg comèrstonè of our Community Yiork w8aving tog81her key th8tn85 that strerwth8n Relationships across all aspects of our seNices. Gold8n Threads wa5 ? unique Prograrnme that allowed for the ada￿lon of workshops to meet the needs of individuals in the community, with a focus on inclusivily and accessibilily blended with one a time counselling ses$￿Tr for those 1hat requiréd further therap2ub"c support. Relale Nl was nofflinated and shortlistsd lo the ffinal 3 l¢y a community iThpad award by the Parent Rooms hyhlighting the g￿at work we have done wilh pernatal mental health. In March 2022, we sought a research partner to ￿CoVer and collate academic evidence on the imporlance of relationships throughout Iff& cydes. It is one thiThJ knowng through our expgrience the fvndamental importance.. il is quite another lo eviden￿ thi) acadernically. The team at Ulster UnNersitr/ have done so with Glarity. enthusiastn and rigour. Not only have they evidenced the importance of relationships Ihrough various studies worfdwide bul have produced 20 rècommèndats.ons for improved public policy commissioning induding a Heallty Relationship Stratègy for govemmènt that could tackle much of Ih8 silo working we expen8nce and look at family eccsyst8ms rnor8 holistically. Th8 '>uslaining Hea11hy Relationships, reF)0rt 4ong with 4 briefing papers were p￿hed in 2023124. RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Relale Nl has also lriert lo lead Ihe way in wdl-being and supFKAI wlhin the workrdace and this year we pul slaff at the center of this. We joined the Belfast Business Promise ensuring wewere leading in policy, lemis and condib.ons lor slaff, oreen innovation and ￿OrkPla￿ wellbeing. We 9&￿ed (wr rnember status and will conlinue nexl year to the next level of accreditalion. We also conb.nue tr) be a real living wage employer and have implernented li collaboration with other industries lo <*eaie a well-being Programme fr)r staff botTh face tr) fa￿ online. Relale Nl completed BCACP level 5 CfAJples counselling to inuns8llor who is an extremely talenled. compassionate and cornforting cour&ellDr who has. In many ways. saved my life and allowèd me io fflourish In ways I didn't rhink pDsslAè bay￿@ stsrting. Tha r8céprion Stsff aré aways wèlojming and friendly a5 well. There rna), be a brt o- a waiting li51. but thal is rnore refiective of a lack of seNices aGross Nl and the volume of irKYividuals w￿) require treatmenl not ￿adIlY av•lable in this country'_ Relale are worth the wait and I am blèsssd 10 baen Fyovided their services which I cortinue to use whan arwj as needèd." "A very cornprehensive yd userfriendly Servi￿ Ihat SUPFths iThJiwdua15 and "K811ie deliv8r8d an extrem8ly ￿￿)r￿ative se55ion to our new par8nls to be in &)Id Surestart which was 50 well recewed. We wll use this Servi￿ again in the coming month5. Thank you" -she can talk more about how she is feelin9. moments of sadnèss are less. and she bounces back quickly, she can play in park again ￿1th ftiends and she is going lo school each da RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The organisaiion's website alhl1er￿e conth'nued to increase, by 12% 11 Ihis year. wilh a corresponding 92% increase in website visits in 23124, compared to ￿22123. The lime users spend on Ihe websile I￿reased from 1 miThJle 39 seconds in 2022123 10 1 minute 44 seconds in 2023124. What dIff0r9n￿ dld wo makg? 86 /0 of resptsn(Jenis of prfmary S¢hod Counseilny reporte(J th81 the ￿lationshIp vllth thelr f8rnlly was 'ex¢ellent +. or'gtJJd' after counselling. 78Yo of chiklren s behavioLf improved. 77% of chikken s evaluation5 Stated Improvel￿tS were excellent or grth. 97Wo of Chiktren stated t￿Y enjoyed C￿nsel￿.ng. RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 10- RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11 RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 What lssuos Are Pw1• S8eklnq Support Dn? Anxiety Bchavioural Issues 30% 13. Bereavement 9% Family diffir.iJltip Low mood communicats.on issues SlrÈ5S 4Yo Rèlationship drffi(xJlties Self- worth 4Y. Parental Anger Problerns at school 2Yo Oometh'c vH)len¢el abuse Problerns ￿1th friends Bullying Sexual abuse] assault 2% 1% Health Depression Fwure 5- P￿Senti￿ 18sues Rela1ionships experience distress for a range of reasons. when families ale eX￿Sed io different 5tressors_ Most issues that families experience which dribe 1hem lo seek the support of ReL9te Nl seN￿S are re￿tIonal in nature. Increase in larnily drfficulties., be￿8VeMent., separation & divor￿,. affairs: m￿gIng the irnw of unemployment and financial worries on latnily reL3tionships.' and parenting at8 ju51 s0ffl8 of ltrie i55U8S th3t peO￿e have identffi8d when reaching out lo Relatg Nl. However, health and wellbeing presenlalions also represent a s¥Jnificant porbon of our presenting issue8. Anxiety, slress and seff-worlh fealure high )n the list of health and wellbeing p￿SentationS into our seNices. However, there is also r9wgnrtion of the linkaggs belween relationship qUa￿ty and trwlth & wel1￿l￿g. 12 RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 PARTNERSHIP WORKING AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT Department ol Health and the Health and Social Care Trusts Relaie Nl provides delivers a raThJe of counselling services under contract wilh Ihe Strategic Planning and Performance Group ISPPGI, lormedy the Heahh and Social Care Board IHSCBI. Tlwough this contract, we continue lo work in partnership wilh Ihe Department of Health, Hèallh and Social Care Board IHSCBI and five Health and Social Care Trusts to prov1dÉ rèlalionship SO￿7¢￿S to familias 1hrougThout N(th8m Ir81and. Rèlate Nl works c10s81y wrth social work8rs 3nd health and social care professionals lo facilitate ac￿$ to our therapeutic serVI￿S for the beneffit ol families, children and young people. We (x)nts"nue to parb¢ipate in the review ol the Department of Health's Regional Families Straiegy. Over the course of this year and through this contract. VE also wnsulted wth Sure Start tsams in Belfast lo sutwort better joint working. promote acC￿&S to Relate Nl sw¥￿eS through Ihe Sure Start network in Belfast. FSCN Schools Counselling Over th8 course of the 23124 y8ar. th8 Relale Nl tean continu8d k) work flexibly to support the school comtnunity. Thi5 involved working with parents. teachers as *ell as Sch￿)1 children to SUP[￿￿1 Nellbeing th adjustment to ptsst pandernic through direct contact as well as through the deVelopn￿l of infom)ation ane video resources through schDDI networks. Acc85s lo ￿lder Relate Nl 5ervic8s was facililated wher8 this wa5 agreed by lafflili85 as being of benefit. Schools R8late Nl also developed an Èrnotional wellbeing Programme to be deli¥ered to primary school aged children by our school's counsellors. Holywood Famlly Trnst Holywood Family Trusl is based ID North Down and Ihe trust helps to equy individuals and familie5 IIKough some of the issues in their lives antt contribute towards an inchJsive ccrfllmunity. HolYwC*￿ Family Trust appoinied Relate Nl lo provide children an¢ young person's counsel1￿9 Sess￿$. Parentllne Nl Relate Nl ha5 b8en delighted to Contin￿ partnership with Ctriktren in Nl {CiNII lo support delivery of the Regional Parenting Helpline Service to parents across Nl. This v40rk is provided undw contract wilh the Health and Sc>cial Ca Board. Over Ihe course ol this year, the Parentline Nl team have been busy c￿￿uIng to prowde much needed support to parents rhrough telephone. web and face to face appointrnents. Atso in rhis year. a raro8 of workshops for parents was eveloped and delivered by the Parentline Nl Team_ Delivery ol Counselling. Educalion & ReSea￿h in Surviving Sexual Violence and Abuse Service in Northern Ireland Relate Nl is delighted to ¢ontinue to work in partnership ￿th Nexus Nl lo provide rglatN)nship counselling arKJ support to survivors of sexual abuse. victims of sexual ￿￿￿enCe induding those who have experienced rape and sexual assault. This service was also commissioned by the Slrategic Planning and Perfomiance Group ol the Departrnent ol Health and op8ral85 on a r8ferral basis with Nexus Nl 5ubconlracting Relate todeliver relationship counselling to their dients. 13 RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 PSy¢ho￿Xllal Thérapy S•réicès & Bèlfast Hèalth and Social Carn Trust During 23J24, Rela18 Nl continued lo receiv8 referrals from Knockbrackgn Psychosgxual ￿￿1C8S forthose clientslpatients with sexual dygfunctions under a contradual arraTh￿Ment wth the 8elfast Health and Social Care Trust. W8 also ¢ontnu& io pro¥id$ psy¢h0$9xual swvices io people who rt)fer thomselves dire¢tty lo Rglate Nl. As wtth 811 of our services, our PST work was transitioned to onl￿e and delivery. Relationship and Sexualrty Education {RSEI Relale Nl has been part of a partnership wilh Nexus and led by The Rainbow Proieu overihe last 6 >ears to deliver RSE Piogrammes to young people in (x)mrnunrty ￿tting$. The Public Heallh Agency tendered ror a new Relationships and Sexuality Education IR)El Pfojecl in Decefflber 2021. As part of ihis process, Ihe current partnership reviewed parinership working over the last 6 years. As a resull of this process, Ihe partnership m(¥Jel has been updated. and Relate Nl now lead this partn￿ship wh￿h was succes5hJl in securing a new contract from the Public Health Agency. Over the course of the 23124 year. we also reviewed the name of Ihe Prograrnrne ￿ pathership wth young peJple. As a iesult of this, the RSE PrDgrdmme wll now be called 'Relaieable'. BHSCT Primary Care Talking Therapie5 R8la1e Nl works in parln8rship witi th8 Ballast Health and Soa"al Carè Trust lodèlivèr counselling sèrvic8s to diènts experiencing low level anxiety and depression vtho are referred by GPS. We were delighted to be awarded a plan￿ on the new frarnework Ihrough a tender exercise completed this year. 'Moving Up, Moving On. (MUMOI Service In 2015 Relatè Nl joinéd a consorb.um led by Forthspring Inter Community Group which submitted a proposal which was funded by the Big Lottery Fund. S￿ce Ihe project commenced in the spring 012016. Relatp Nl has bE8n an activ8 partner in the MUMO partnership, providing a range of therapeutic serv￿eS to farrilies and primary school children of a PrDtestant and Catholit primary SLhixil iii an iiil8rface a(&a Mi W&sl B8ifast. We continue Lo piovide th*rap8utic suppori lo projfKt partiupants and support the overal aims af this project. Northem Ireland Prison Service Wè wert delighted to ￿ able to fetum to on Site delivery tsf our t￿nSellIng w(Kk withw) Maghobery during this >ear. The retum to fa￿-to-faCe d2ltvery has enab￿d a more structured and steady support of dients SUP￿}rted through this work. The Parent Rooms Over 1hg ¢outse of Ihis year. wg w@re delighted to c¢y)lirnJg our partrwship ￿th Thg Parpnl Rooms. This partngrship provides much need and tirnely access to thwapetjthc support for parents strugu4ing wilh mental health issues in recognition of the specrfic mental health challenges associated with the perinalal period. 14- RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 For•Rrd South Bèllast- Sèamless Translllon throu￿ Edueatlon ProAéct ISTEP} During the year, we continued lo work ￿ partnership wilh the seaM￿Ss Transition through Education partnership. The partnership is an eady Intervent￿ IXO9ramme specifically designed to prowde support to families and children tr> help thern get th¢ best stsrt in lrfe_ Rglate Nl ¢ornmen¢ed provision of tI￿rap8uts"¢ support services lo s¢hools in South Belfast area. supporting children. parents and teachers ￿ order lo ￿hance emtional wellbeing. Queens University Belfast Relale Nl was delpjhied to eslablish a new partnershp wth ¢)Jeens Univetsity Belfast through the Msc in Systemic Psyehotheiapy. Relate Nl hosted placernent clinics loi a number ol students cornpleting Iheir qualifiration, providing the clinical govemance infraslructure and superv6ion. support and gLMd9nce lo enable high quality theiapeutic work io be undertaken. Ulster Unlvors5ty We were also delighted lo establish a similar pariner5hip wth Ulslei Univew5ity Ihiough Ihe Msc in Art Psycholheiapy course. We hosted a pL9cetnent dinic for one of the sludents completing this q￿lFiCation. A5 well as providing the clinicgl a0vernan￿ infraslruclure and sukwvision. we also provided Supp￿ Ihrough the appointmenl ol a pracb'ce teacher who worked alongside the siudent througlKxJt thp course of the placemenL REVIEW OF OTHER ACTIVITIES & FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Governance As acknowledged in la51 year 5 TrJ5tee5 ReyJrt, robust govemance 5y5tems ar¥J proce5525 have be-n and will conb.nue to be a core feature of the organi5ation's 5tralegic and Operat￿31 systetns. Many trustees have given freely of their time and expertise over 75 sears lo enable Ihe organisation lo deliver its charrtable purpose for thousands of people each year and we wsh to publidy1hank pe(4)le a5 we celebiate thi5 imp(xtsnt Thile51one. The important role of govemance. and the avalability of 8 diverse. 8klled and experi￿Ced cohort of people willing lo step into govemance roles is the key reason why Relate Nl Wds delighled 10 continue its suppori ol the Boardrcom Apprentice Pro9ramme, our 6th ye2r of erygement. 8oardrt)om Apprentices (x)nbnue to impact posiltvely on the worf< of governanct al Relote Nl. partiLipolion in Ihe PrOgr￿Me 1$ an imptsrtani way Relate Nl can pra¢b¢ally support the development of B growing number ol people with the sklls atvJ values to lead in gobtmance rrAes. Over Ihe past 12 tnonths. Ihe boar(I has dedicat￿ attenlion to the ¢x>ntinl￿(1 leadership and development ol the organisation through Iccus on strategy. suslainatm'lity and perfLvmance mC￿ltoring. This involved the ongoing monitoring of thp. orgAni%a1ion'$ 8trategy, operxtionAI plans and annual Njdgel as well as rpwew and TrvintenanrE of Ihp. wider systpms of control in place within the org8Thsabon_ Over Ihe 23.?4 year we also bade fwewell to several trustees. namely Brendan fvlorrisey, and Maria Pirnentsl. The board and stsff of Relate Nl wish lo reG(yJni5g their wmtrmltnenl and wntnbution lo Rglate Nl over tnany years. Rglatg Nl continued to grow its tx)ard throLty the Boardroom apprentice scheme forthe 4th year in 3 row. Natalie Do￿Y Gonbnugs lo provKJe leadership as chair. having been reaptmynted lo the rolg_ The Or￿niSation has prioritised robust board succession planning in re￿nt year5 lo ensure contiwity and effec*ve govemance. As parf of this effort. B8rnie Kelly was appointed vice-chair at AGM. bringing valuable eX￿rienCe and a fresh perspective to the board's leaeership team. 15- RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Governance and Strateglc Development at Relate Nl1202&20241 Relate Nl's Board of Truslees undertook several inirialives lo advan￿ the ￿ganiSati£￿'S workforce development, opet8lional sustainabilty, and 9)v&mawKe stsndards. In October last year, the Board ol Trustees rnade Ihe strategic decision to apFoini an interim CEO lollowng the departure ol Duane Far￿11. who had setvel as Relaie Nl's CEO for over five yeats. Th& executive decision was taken lo ensure conlinuity while creating an oppor*Jnity lo crriticaly assess the organizats'on's p￿Sses. Fdicaes. and struclure, paving the Yiay for sustsined growth and rtevelopment. The Board appointed Katrina Hinley as the Interim CEO. tasking her with a focused mandate to strengthen senior l&ad&rship govemarn¢8 and ¢orMJu¢t a wmprehensive organizab.onal rtr*iew. Ovgr her tenure. Katrina priorilized stakeholder engagernent, ensuring the voices Df key partners. funders, and benefiaaries were heard and valued. She conducted in4epth inteNiews wilh staff to identify both strengths and areas for improvement within the internal eulture and oper81ional framework. Additionally, ch'enl testirntsnials were wlle¢ted to provide IK)nest, ffirslhand insights into th$ irnpact and perception Df Relate Nl's seNces. This rigorous approach has enatAed ￿ organizalion lo buihj a well-rounded. fair. and Iranspareni uthstanding of its currènt slate, layng Ihè groundwork for informed and strategic d8asion-makn.ng by the Board in thè upcoming 2024-2026 year. The réview also laaltlat8d a rea5se55m8nt of operational priorities. allowng the Board lo align Relat8 NI'5 obj8ctives more cjosely with the evolving needs of rts service users and slakeholders_ Katrina's leadershp during this tr￿si￿onal period has been instruTrEnlal In maintainng stabilty while fostering a culture of reflection and openness. Her findings and recotnwnendations will guide the organizabon 5 next Steps, ensuring Relate Nl retnains well-pOs￿.0ned lo deliver hvJh-quality servieEs arKI adapt k) firture th4llenge5 in a dynamic soa81 and e(xbnornic environrnent. Workforce Development As trustees, we recognized the critical Importan￿ of adLtres5ing WOrkfr￿ challenges to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality seNices at Relate Nl. In response lo Ihis. Ihe Board initialed a comprehensive ieview ol pay and compensation for our speaali5l 5er¥ices, particularfy for coun5elkM5 and therapists. This review aitned to ensuie that our remuneration packages were competib.ve and aligned wih industry Standards. fostering both retention 3nd aitracb.on of top talenl. As a result. we successfully expanded ow associale pool ofcounsellot5 across Norihem Ireland, enabling Relate to meet the growing demand for seNces in a way thal was sustainable and effective. Engagernent with $18ff was at the of this inib"ative, with feedback ¢olleued through surveys, interviews, and team iseussions. This invaluable input diréctly inftsrmed the developmeni of 8 workplace wellbeing programm8. which sought io enhance existing wdlbeing initia￿"VeS by introducing components taikned speafically to the needs and pfftlerences of our stsff. By blending existing strategies wlh fresh ideas based t)n team leedback, we cxeated a mcKe supportive work environrnenl that helps lo maintain stsff engwJement, job satisfactio￿. and overall wellbeing. In addilion to these internal developments. ow longitanding partnership wilh Ulster University IUUI and Queen's University Belfasl IQU81 continued to flourish. Together. we have supported high-qualrty Msc Pl￿MentS in Systemic Psy¢hotherapy and Art Psy¢holherapy, which have been insttumental in dgvdoping a new gengratDn ol Ihtrr•ists. This collaboration not only enriched the 5ki115 of ￿Jr Workfo￿ but also expanded Relate Nl's Cap￿lty to serve cli8nts through a growing team of qualified Art and Family Therapists. As part ol tsur commitment to uèating a lair and equitablè wcKking environmnt. Ihè Board Éndorsèd Rèlate Nl's application lo becotne a Living Wage accredited 8rnployer_ Thi5 Ikasion refiects our dedication to 8n5uring that all our staff are compensated fairty, reinforcing our core values of equity and respect. Additionalty. Relate Nl joined Ihe Belfast Business Promise. a collective elfort lo boost pledges aimed at improving hjcal employmenl standards and fostering a more inclusDie economy. 16- RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 In terms of Strategic Development Rdat8 Nl fovJsed on core services of couples, famli8s and indNidual8, increasing delivery wrfhin the Norlhern Ireland Prison Serwce and within the B￿lfa￿ and SoU￿￿M Tru5l area. Thi5 not Only highlighis the qualily of the services we prowide but also underscores Relale Nl's role as a leading training provider In the secior. By invesiing in the developrnenl ol our slaH and expanding our leam of highly trained professionals. Yie are reinforcing our mission to %Jpport indwiduals and lamilies across Northem Ireland through eNeclive, compassionate Iherapy and support seNices. Sustainability Efforts As trustees. we have cA)nsisteTrUy acknowledged 1h31 sustainatmlity remains of the core challenges facing Relate Nl. In the face of evolving financial pressures and ir￿easIng demand for seryices. we are committed to en5uriro Ihat the organizalion rernain5 finanaally wiable whi18 conlinuing to d81iv8r high-quality r8lationship support to thos8 need rt Most_ To address these challengès. the Board has taken a proactive approath. conkn"nually reviewed our sustainability strategy and identified key areas for grovth and Improven￿l. One of the key highlights ol the year was ihe Tnjstee Away Day, where we tcL)k IIE opportunity 10 evaluate the progress Yie've made again51 cxjr long-terrn oigarbisational strategy. The Away Day was an e5senth.al foiuTn for deep, strategic discussions. p8rticularfy focusing on 1he pillars of reL3lionship 8UPPOrt, digilal eng8gerr)enl, and our ongoing brand alignrnenl wilh Relate England. Trustees were pleasaj lo see Signific￿)1 progress in these areas, particularfy in the expansion of our digital plaifomis, which have allowed us to reach a broader alldience, as well as alignin9 our tKand more closely wtth the broader Relate ntrtwori wsumg I￿$14￿nCY shareil val￿. Equally impKJrtanl, the Away Day pr{w￿e￿ a valuable space for ts Board lo expkne potential future p8rtneiships and mergers to support Relale Nl's long-term sustainability. After a thorough re%'iew of pDtential partners. discussions with Family Mediation Norlhem Ireland IFMNI) proved to be p3rbcu￿Y promising. The collaborative discussions with FMNI tanl8red around the rnulual benefits of joining fort85 to c￿al* a Thore integrated s8fdK8 tsfferi￿. We b81igve that a Inerger with FMNI will not only enhanGe our ability to deliver rA)ITprehen5ive ielationship support serviGes but will a150 slrengthen our financial sustainablity by pooling ￿SoUr￿.$, expertise, and chenl bases. Following these productive talks, Itustees WEie pleased io move forward with the discussions. and fortnal negotiations to initiate the merger began. We believe this partnership will be a pivotal step in ensuring the ongoing viability of Relate Nl, both in terms of fInaN￿al sustainability and the continued quality of the services we provide. This forward-thinking approach to patlnerships and rnergers demonslrates ¢yJr cotntnitment to securing the future of Relale Nl whi18 continuously improving the breadth and depth of our 5Ut¥)ort ￿ indNiduals and families a(xos5 NortlEm Ireland. Goveman¢e and Risk Managen*nt The Audit and Risk Corn￿1ttee IARCI ￿aYed a criliGal role. rn￿tIng quarterly to oversee risk. safeguarding. and Infrastructu￿ readines5. The ARC closely nTon1to￿d the Ccwirate Risk Register, safegLarding practices. aThJ finanoal health, ensuring robust controls and compliance. A focus on quality was èvident Ihrough reviews of complaink. staffing conc8rn5, and Safeguarding 58lf-3ssessrnents using Volunteer Now's loo15. Truste85 re(xived unqu41ified audrt opinion5, reflecting strong fiscal govemance. These initiatives have positioned Relale Nl lo continue delivering ¥npacthJl relationship swvices while fostering slaff wellbeing and ensuring lO￿leM) 0￿J￿isatiOnal sustaiiablity. In terms of Strategic Development Relate Nl focused on core services of ccwfv, famlies and individuals, increasing aelivery within the Northem lTr18nd Pnson 8wKI within the Belf8St and soulhwn Trust a￿a. 17 RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Stakèholdér En tmènt. Pollc Dèvèlo mont and Cornmunleations Relate Nl believes that a¢¢ess to sgrvi¢es is essenb.al IN pgoplg who a￿ $xpgrien(iny rglalionship distrgss or who are interested in preventative maintenance of their relationships. Action, such as access lo high quality services at the individual or family level is a key building block to our vision of healthy relatior6hips at the heart of 8 thriving society. At a societal levgl, a￿esS lo inlotma1ion and gffecb.ve publiG poliw are also key cotnerstongs of that wsion. To that end. R81alg Nl continues to engage wth partner5 and slakeholders to buld understanding of the challenges experienced by people and families across Nl and to ensure that rdevant public pol'cy areas a￿ influenced and shaped by the eXperien￿S of people who access ReLg1e Nl serwces. The year started with a rebranding ol cyJr Relationships and S?xuality Education IRSEI programme. renaming the prograrnme to 'Relat&abla'. A competition on social media was launch8d to tickets to saa Lrzzo at Bèlsonic and our viinn8r up wtth th8 name_ In April 2023, Relate Nl had ts¥o Belfast Marath)n ￿laY teams raise funds for Rdate Nl. After a gjccessful fvndraising campaign onlinè, we raissd a total of £680. Relate Nl CDntTnued to engage with politKa parttes througlMMJt Ihe 23124 year to engage MLAS in our 'ReL3tionships Manifesto,. )taff mernbers met with Cara Hunter MLA. Kate Nichdl MLA. Da¥id Brooks MLA and Cheryl Brovinlee MLA viilli dri dbk uf Ui¥ iiiituduiliurb vf ujriipulsury. ¢Jppruyridl¥ diid ¥vid*li￿ Lwiiiiuluiii foi RSE fui ￿liuVIS iii Northern Ireland. )Ne were delighted that after our meetings. Kate NKtholl MLA raised a motion in the Nl assembly to be debated. and the motion was passed. Relate Nl are Pru￿ to have ￿th the Executive OffKe. alongside othets ￿ Ihe Cortwnunrty and Volurrtary secloi on the co- desiqn prO￿sS of the Ending w￿4enCe aqainst Wotnen and Girl's strateg￿ tramework. We are deliqhted that 'healthy, respecfful relationships, are being proposed as a key outcome of the Ending violen￿ against Wornen and Gits strategic fiatnework. The organisation continued to work to promote Ihe importance of heallhy rdalionships in the context of ending oender-based violence. We welcomed the opportunity ￿ part￿pate as a key stakeholder in a co-design process along with colleagues frorn across Ihe corntnunty, voluntarv and statutory sector5. This pr(Ke55 represented a signifficant investment of lime for all Ihe organisation's represented. Tlr resutting strategc framework whjch has emerged trorn this process has been welo)med by th)se who participated in 1he pr(Kess. We also continue to engage with partners in Ihe third sector to share in1ormati￿, create organisational link3Jes in the best inierests of the people we wort( with and to SUDDOrt U)e devekjpment of Relate Nl and ils team. Over the course of this year, we have also commenied publicly on a range of issues relevant to the development and mainlenance of heallhy relationships and ctjntinue tr) ensure that public debate about Ihe hjndamenta Importan￿ ol healthy relationships to our hèalth and Well￿1ng. physical ané mental, conlinues to b& inclL#Jed Mi relevani public debatos. 18- RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Flnanclal Rèvlew Relale Nl $9gks to cornply wilh best pract￿0 in rnanaging the finances of Ihe chwity and ss OUt*ned in th8 Res8rv8S Policy shoukj airn lo hold adequate reserves lo cover no lewer than Ihree months and no 9realer than six months full running ¢osts of tho charity. The balan￿ sheet as at the 31 March 2024 reflecled al bank and in haThJ of £127.384. The Net Currenl Assets al 31st March 2024 were £206.325 general Ur￿5t￿clo￿ r8serv85 bv8re £183.220 which equa1es to 3 months tunning costs of the charity. The board will be considering appropriate acbons over the year ahead to ensure the charity's policy is achieved. Reser¥es Policy The Trustees continually ieview tIE reserves polw. Considering Ihe variable income and fixed comrnittnent5 required to allow the charity lo be managed effectively and to provide a buffer for unintertupled servic&s, the Board, has ag￿ed that the organisab'on should aim io IM)hJ adequale reserves lo cover no fewer than three monlhs and no greater than six months full running costs of Ihe ctrArity. Rlsk Pollcy In line wth the organisation's risk ma)age[r￿t strategy. Ihe Trustee5 who Served during Ihe year have undertaken an analysis of the work of the charity ynd identified the major risks to %thich Ihe Charity 15 exposed. The Trustees are satisfied es and ana ures *e in place Io tniligate Ihose risks. ruc man¢9 gn Relate Nl is wnstilut&J by way of a Memorandum aNJ A￿eS of Associa￿On and is Ix)th a re&¥stered charity and a registered company linTiled by guarantee. The (wganisation Is govemed by a Board of Directors of up to 18 members. The Dir8ctors who are non-8X8CUtive. repre￿nt a div8rse range of rele'dant 8xperi8nc8 irm￿u￿Ing finance. lega. tnanag8ment. administrative. education. clinical, health. FK)using and family services. Th8 Directors of the charity ar8 its trust8es for the purp058s of tharity law. Th8 DiTrctors who served th8 charrty during th8 year are noted on Page 1. The Board rnee15 at least six b"me5 during the finanaal year wth addilional [r￿tIng5 called rf necessary. Boare members do not recwve any rÈmuneration in respect of their services to the charity. Receipted expensÈs are reimbursed when incurred. An Audrt and Risk Committee meets and reports to Relale Ni's Trustee Board. The Board delegates the day to day m￿agement of Reiqte Nl to an exe¢ub"ve Sen￿ managernent team which ¢Drnpfis25 the Chief Executh've Officer. the Business Serwices aThJ PerfOmw￿e Manager and the Professional Services Manager. The Truste8s' r8POrt was apprc>v8d by Ihe Board ol T￿￿tE8s. Ms N Do%vey Trustee Dated.. 23 December 2024 19- RELATE NORTHERN IRELAND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Trustees (who arè also directors of Relaie Northem Ireland lor Ihe putpr)ses ol company lawl are responsible lor preparing the Trusteès, Annual Report and Ihe firbancial stalements in accordance with ap)licable law and regulations. Company 18w requires the trustees to prepa￿ financial $￿teMentS for each fnancial ye¥. Under that law the trustees h£ve elected lo prepare Ihe financial stalernenis in acCOrd8n￿ with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pr8Ctic (United Kingdom Accounting Star*lards and applicable lawl. Under company law the twstees must not approve Ihe ffinancial sl8tementS Ljnless they are satisfied that thèy give a true and fair vew ol the state of affairs of the charitable Company and ol the incoming resources and application of resources. i￿l￿d￿g ￿Corne and expenditure, of ihe chari1able company for that period. In preparing these financial staternetrts. the ttustees are iequired lo. sele¢t suitable a¢¢ounb"ng policies and Ihen apply 1hem ¢onsislently,' tX)s¢(ve the me1hods and principles in Ihe Chartbes SORP., makè judgamènts and astimates that arè reasonable and pnwJent- prepa￿ the financAal sraiemenrs on ihe going concem basis unless li Is inapprowaie ro presume thai Ihe charitable cornparby ¥￿11 continua in bu￿nesS. The trustees are respmsible for keeping adequate accountirwJ records that are sufficient to show and explain the companls transactions and disdose with reasonable ￿CUra¢Y at any lime the financial ?osition of Ihe charitable cornpany and enable them to ensure that the finanGial 5tateThent5 Gornply with Ihe Companie5 AGt 20C.6. They are a150 re5POn5ibl8 fDr safeguarding the assets of the charitsblÈ corrpany and for tak￿g ￿asonable steps trjr the prevention detection of fraud and other irregularities. Disclosure of Infomiation to Auditors To th8 know18dge and beli8f of the trust$8S. ther& is no r81evant inf￿MatiOn that the charrtable company's a￿[10r5 are not aware of. and the truslees have taken all steps nei￿Ssary to ensure the truslees are aware of any relevant inforrnation. and to establish that the charrtable companys auditors are aware ol the informat*Jn. Small Company Provisions This report has been prgparod in a¢￿￿anCe with thg $mall ¢ompani&s' rsgime under lh& Companies Act 2006. By order of Ihe Board of Truslees Is N Dowev Trustee 23 December 2024 -20-