2025-03-31-accounts - Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group

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Charity Number: 102163

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group

Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group CONTENTS

	Page
Trustees' and Other Information	3
Trustees' Report	4 - 6
Independent Examiner's Report	8
Financial Statements	9
Notes to the Financial Statements	10
Supplementary Information relating to the Financial Statements	12

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group TRUSTEES' AND OTHER INFORMATION

Trustees

Charity Number in Northern Ireland

Principal Address

Independent Examiner

Principal Bankers

Catherine Masterson Fiona Fyffe David Mitchell Annemarie Grimes Maighread Goodwin Thelma Falls Emma Kerrigan

102163

1 Ashdale Court Omagh Co Tyrone BT79 7UP

Michael Drumm FCCA 30a Gortin Road Omagh Co Tyrone BT79 7HX

AIB - Enniskillen 2-4 East Bridge Street Enniskillen Co Fermanagh BT74 7BT

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group TRUSTEES' REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their Trustees' Report and the unaudited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements 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 of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

The Trustees' Report contains the information required to be provided in the Trustees' Annual Report under the Statement of Recommended Practice (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 of the board of trustees.

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 2025.

The charity is a registered charity and hence the report and results are presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and, although not obliged to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Smaller Entities (the FRSSE) (effective 1 January 2015), the organisation has implemented its recommendations where relevant in these financial statements.

Principal Activity

To help reduce stress and anxiety, increase confidence in coping with typical problems, raising expectations and therefore helping people with Downs Syndrome reach their full potential, relieving suffering from medical problems by sharing information.

Mission, Objectives and Strategy

Mission Statement

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 treatment & education 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 meetings are minuted. All cheques are signed by two committee members for accountability.

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group TRUSTEES' REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

Review of Achievements and Performance

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 to expand year on year. We have provided them with help and education on an informal basis.

During the year we have the following activities and events: - Celebrated World Downs Syndrome Day in Aladdins Kingdom;
Four Nursery Rhymes & Maketon sessions held during the year;
Our annual BBQ and fun day was held in mid August at Baronscourt Estate;
Balanceability programme for 4 weeks to learn our young ones to ride bicycles;
Our annual Christmas lunch for parents/carers and siblings with Santa was held in Canavans Restaurant, Garvaghy; - Swimming lessons were provided in Omagh Leisure Complex.

Financial Review

See annual report on income and expenditure. Finances and fund raising continue to be reviewed regularly.

Results and Dividends

At the end of the financial year the charity has assets of £29,129 (2024 - £16,251) and liabilities of £0.00 (2024 - £0.00). The net assets of the charity have increased by £12,878.

Reference and Administrative details

We have an elected chairperson, secretary & treasurer with 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 expectations 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 with positive outcomes. Harm: The possible harm is that a negative attitude 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.Direct benefit: Improved acceptance of persons with Downs Syndrome in places of work and recreation, reducing discrimination and improving employability and access to services such as schools , clubs etc. Evidence: Anecdotal evidence from carers and employers inform us how newspaper articles provoke positive comments 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 associated with Downs Syndrome this may be interpreted in a negative way but 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 journals support the use of interventions such as aids to improve communication. Harm: There is the potential for harm by injury when increasing physical exercise but the benefits outweigh 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 / parents they and / or their families may incidentally benefit from services provided for the person with Downs Syndrome e.g. ipad apps and games to aid communication. This is incidental 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 and or carers mean that first hand accounts are available to the group of the success or otherwise of the sponsored activity. Also the group requests a report (written or verbal) to qualify how its contribution has been used. Harm:Potential 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 attending the activities , this potential 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.

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group TRUSTEES' REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 12 February 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

_____David Mitchell _____Emma Kerrigan Trustee Trustee

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the charity as at the financial year end date and of the surplus or deficit of the charity and otherwise comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, identify those standards, and note the effect and the reasons for any material departure from those standards; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 12 February 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

0 coat iphar> Errn Karger

_____David Mitchell _____Emma Kerrigan Trustee Trustee

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF OMAGH AREA DOWNS SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP

I have examined the financial statements of the charity for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the Financial Statements, the Accounting Policies and the related notes.

This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might compile the financial statements that I have been engaged to compile, report to the Board of Trustees that I have done so, and state those matters that I have agreed to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's members, as a body, for my work, or for this report.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this financial year under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and that an independent examination is required.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the financial statements under section 65 of the Charities Act;
follow the procedures laid down by the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

I have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
the financial statements do not accord with those accounting records
there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Independent examiner's statement

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Michael Drumm

__________MICHAEL DRUMM FCCA

30a Gortin Road Omagh Co Tyrone BT79 7HX

Date: 12 February 2026

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the financial year ended 31 March 2025
		Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Total
		Funds	Funds
		2025	2025	2025	2024
	Notes	£	£	£	£
Receipts and Payments Account
Receipts
Voluntary Income
Donations		1,564	-	1,564	1,955
		───────	───────	───────	───────
Charitable activities:
Income from charitable activities		-	19,260	19,260	-
		───────	───────	───────	───────
Total receipts		1,564	19,260	20,824	1,955
		───────	───────	───────	───────
Payments
Charitable activities:
Expenditure on charitable activites		99	7,847	7,946	5,329
		───────	───────	───────	───────
Total payments		99	7,847	7,946	5,329
		───────	───────	───────	───────
Net receipts/(payments) for the financial year		1,465	11,413	12,878	(3,374)
Balances brought forward at 1 April 2024		16,251	-	16,251	19,625
		───────	───────	───────	───────
Balances carried forward at 31 March 2025		17,716	11,413	29,129	16,251
		═══════	═══════	═══════	═══════
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Cash funds
Bank and cash		17,716	11,413	29,129	16,251
		───────	───────	───────	───────

Approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 12 February 2026 and signed on its behalf by 0 coi iptanw> Eon ager

____David Mitchell ________Emma Kerrigan Trustee Trustee

The notes on page 10 form part of the financial statements

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group is a charity incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office of the charity is 1 Ashdale Court, Omagh, Co Tyrone BT79 7UP which is also the principal place of business of the charity The financial statements have been presented in Pound (£) which is also the functional currency of the company.

2. ANALYSIS OF PAYMENTS AND RELATED INCOME FOR CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

		Expenditure	Total	Total
		on charitable
		activites
		2025	2025	2024
		£	£	£
	Charitable activities:
	Direct and other payments
	Costs	(7,946)	(7,946)	(5,329)
		═══════	═══════	═══════
3.	SUPPORT PAYMENTS
		Bank	Total	Total
		charges
		2025	2025	2024
		£	£	£
	Expenditure on charitable activites	66	66	52
		═══════	═══════	═══════
4.	RESERVES
			2025	2024
			£	£
	At the beginning of the year		16,251	19,625
	Surplus/(Deficit) for the financial year		12,878	(3,374)
			───────	───────
	At the end of the year		29,129	16,251
			═══════	═══════
5.	FUNDS
5.1	ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
			Current	Total
			assets
			£	£
	Restricted trust funds		11,413	11,413
			───────	───────
	Unrestricted general funds		17,716	17,716
			───────	───────
			29,129	29,129
			═══════	═══════

6. POST-BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There have been no significant events affecting the Charity since the financial year-end.

OMAGH AREA DOWNS SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

RELATING TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION RELATING TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Operating Statement

for the financial year ended 31 March 2025

	2025	2024
	£	£
Income
Donations	1,564	1,955
Lottery Community Fund	19,260	-
	───────	───────
	20,824	1,955
	───────	───────
Expenses
Room hire	390	350
Activities	4,867	2,510
BBQ	1,410	1,100
Christmas party	1,180	1,220
Legal and professional	-	97
Bank charges	66	52
General expenses	33	-
	───────	───────
	7,946	5,329
	───────	───────
Net surplus/(deficit)	12,878	(3,374)
	═══════	═══════

The supplementary information does not form part of the financial statements