Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group TRUSTEES, REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 The truslees presenl their Trustees, Report and the unaudited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2024. The financial stalemenls are prepared in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement af Recommended Practice applicable lo ¢harilies preparing their financial slalemenls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021. The Trustees, Report contains the informalion required to be provided in the Trustees, Annual Report under the Slatement of Recommended Practi (SORP) guidelines. The trustees of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's constitution are known as members ofthe board oftruslees. In this report the trustees of Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group present a summary of its purpose, governance, activities, achievements and finances for the financial year 31 March 2024. The charity is a registered charity and hence the report and results are presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the Charilies Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and. although not obliged to comply with the Slalement ol Recommended Practice for Smaller Entities (the FRSSE) (effective 1 January 2015), the organisalion has implemented ils recommendations where relevant in these financial statements. Mission. Objectives and Strategy Mission Statement To help reduce stress and anxiety. increase confidence in coping with typical problems, raising expectalions and therefore helping people with Downs Syndrome reach their full potential, relieving suffering from medical problems by sharing information. Objectives To foster an atmosphere of support among the beneficiaries their family, friends & carers by bringing everyone together. Relieve the needs of beneficiaries by providing services, help, facilities, opportunities for Irealment & educalion to maximise participation in society to enable them to gain employment and lead independent lives. Raise awareness of the effects of Downs syndrome on parents & their families in the Omagh area. Structure, Governance and Management Structure The trustees who served during the year are as follows= Catherine Masterson Fiona Fyffe David Mitchell Annemarie Grimes Maighread Goodwin Marion Mccarron Emma Kerrigan In accordance with the Constitution, the trustees retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. During the year, our group continues to meet monthly for parents and committee members to organise, plan and review activities. These meelings are minuted. All cheques are signed by two committee members for accounlability. Review of A¢tivitie5, Achievements and Perfomiance Help raise awareness about the effects of Downs syndrome on families in the Omagh area. We have welcomed new members to our group which continues lo expand year on year. We have provided them with help and education on an infomial basis. During the year we have the following activities and events.. - Talk from Iwo Speech Therapists., Rhymes & Songs for two Saturday mornings in June; Our annual BBQ and fun day was held at the end ofJuly at Baronscourt Estate., Balanceability programme for 6 weeks to learn our young ones to ride bicycles- Our annual ChrTSlmas lunch for parentslcarers and siblings with Santa was held at the The Mellon Country Inn- Speech assessmenls were provided for our children with parents sharing the cost.
Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group TRUSTEES. REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 Financial Review See annual report on income and expenditure. Finances and fund raising continue lo be reviewed regularly. Results and Dividends Al the end of the financial year the charity has assets of £16,251 {2023 - £19,625} and liabilities of £0.00 {2023 £0.00). The net assets of the charity have decreased by £(3,374). Reference and Administrative details We have an elected chairperson, secretary & Ireasurer wilh designated roles within the group. We also have a total of seven Trustees of which all assist in the efficient running of the organisation. Public Benefit Statement a.Reduced stress and anxiety, increased confidence in coping with typical problems, raising expeclations and therefore helping persons with Downs Syndrome reach their full potential, relieving suffering from medical problems by sharing information. Evidence-. Minutes of monthly meetings which record experiences of carers , how they value the support from other members and also how they { the carers) have acted on the advice from other carers wilh positive outcomes. Harm= The possible harm is that a negative altitude can be fostered which can influence a carers expectations and reduce use of a service. This is countered by way of consciously encouraging a problem solving approach. Beneficiaries= persons with Downs Syndrome their families and carers in the Omagh District Council area. Private benefit.. The committee is comprised of parents and carers of persons with Downs Syndrome and therefore committee members benefit from outings and functions organised by the group as entire families are invited to attend. This is an incidental unavoidable benefit as all persons with Downs syndrome must be supervised by a carer on outings. b.Direcl benefit.. Improved aCPtance of persons with Downs Syndrome in places of work and recreation, reducing discrimination and improving employability and access to seTvices such as schools clubs elc. Evidence.. Anecdotal evidence from carers and employers inform us how newspaper articles provoke positive commenls from members of the public. More of our members are attending main stream school than in the past. Harm-. By increasing knowledge about learning and physical disabilities that are associaled with Downs Syndrome this may be interpreted in a negative way bul the aim is to emphasise the positive aspects. Beneficiaries.. Persons with Downs Syndrome, members of the public who may come into contact with persons with Downs syndrome in place of work . in the playpark . at school etc. Private benefit.. none. c. Direct benefit.. relief of suffering , maximising each individuals potential to live an independent life. improved health outcomes Evidence= Minutes of monthly meetings record carer reports of improved communication, increased physical awareness and activity. Scholarly articles from medical joumals support the use of intervenlions such as aids to improve communication. Harm.. There is the potential for harm by injury when increasing physical exercise but Ihe benefits OUe1gh the risks, there is also the potential to increase stammering when there is increased focus on speech development but the benefits outweigh the risks Beneficiaries.'Members with Downs Syndrome Private benefit.. As committee members are all carers I parents they and l or their families may incidenlally benefit from services provided for Ihe person with Downs Syndrome e.g. ipad apps and games to aid communication. This is incidenlal and necessary. d.Direct benefit-. An organisation or group whose aims are concordant with Omagh area Downs Syndrome support group may be able to further these aims as a result of financial and moral support from our group e.g. the production of a musical involving persons with a learning disability including Downs Syndrome will improve the social skills of the participants improve confidence and help to develop communication skills Evidence.. Direct involvement of our members an(1 or carers mean that first hand accounts are available to the group of the success or otherwise of the sponsored activily. Also the group requesls a report (written or verbal) lo qualify how its contribution has been used. Harm=Polential for harm arising from this purpose is that direct control of monies is surrendered and money could be misspent , however by asking for reports and altending the activities this polenlial is reduced. Private benefit: The group has not knowingly sponsored any activity for private benefit and is satisfied that any monies donated have been spent in accordance with it. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by: avid Mitchell Trustee Emma Kerrigan Trustee