FELLOWSHIP OF GOOD COUNSEL TRUST
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Our vision and mission statement gives a clear account of what we do and who we are.
Our Vision
That all people may find freedom and dignty through Jesus Christ. for the greater glory of God. "I have come
that you might have lrfe and have it to the full." John 10=10
Our Mission
To joyfully come together as a group of individuals believing and celebrating the power of Jesus Christ for
mutual support, and to minister to other people so that all peoples may find freedom and dignity through
Christ.
The Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public beneftt when deciding
what activities the charty should undertake.
The strategies employed to achieve the charty's aims and objectives are to:
promote Christian Cettic spiritualty in Our celt￿ Prayer Garden and Sanctuary to schools and
various other groups on request,
run directed retreats to any member of the public.
provide Worship servI￿s with teaching and prayer five days per week for any person who wishes to
avail of it at St Anthonls Dundrean, Columba House, Deny, or The Celtic Garden,
offer facilitation in Columba House, losas Centre and at St Anthony's different seasonal spiritual
experiences for youth, families or individuals e.g. Lenten Prayer Experience I Confirmation
Preparation (for schools)1 Follow the Star (Christmas Trail)ISummer Scheme for Children l Quiet
Retreats,
Follow A Star (Christmas Trail) This was a limited version curtailed because of electrical limitations
and some covid restrictions l Quiet Retreats,
we have produced a selection of CDS on New Lrfe I Christs Healing Touch I Consolationl 3 CDS with
music reflecting Celtic Spirtiualty and other topics. Three in One, In God Alone and The Souls
Shelter. These are always available,
provide 7-week seminars (one night per week) on Life in the Spirit
provide Meditation Every Sundsy Morning for Residents at INhite Oaks. cfhis will continue when
Pandemic conditions allow).
take opportuntties to promote publidy and creatively major events in the cty e.g., Repentance
Services (Good Friday) Columba Pageants (St Columba's Day) We do not feel that the time 15 right
for public major events in the Cty. Our presence is constant in the City and our ￿ntre$ in Donegal
are well advertised and equally well attended.
provide a space for meditation, contemplation, or quiet prayer in the Oratory in Queen Street Derry
Cty 5 days per week 10.30 am to 4.30 pm and moming prayer daily at the same venue. A similar
space is provided at St Anthony's daily Monday to Friday with an hour of prayer and reflection at
12.00 noon. Saint Canice's Oratory in the Celtic Prayer Garden at IOSAS Centre is also open dai
Monday to Friday for quiet reflection.
Since March 2020, delrvery of our services has been seriously disrupted by Covid 19. Like many other
organisations we have adapted to the Circumstances we find ourselves in, mainly by using technology to
maintain connectivty with service users. We continued outreach activtties via Facebook in the fomi of videos,
wrttten infomiation music and images. Other social media plaffomis were also used quite extensrvely
including our website, and distribution of information through local and national publications. Our weekly
meetings were usually conducted through Zoom but at times we met in the various OLrtdoor spaces in the
Cettic Garden or the lawn at St Anthony's and inside our larger facilities with reduced numbers when
permissible. Since March 21 there has been an easing of some restrictions but all services will continue to be
promoted and managed by the Communty according to the Government guidelines of the day. The
Communty also plans and delivers services at St Anthony's on a Monday Night once a month, Columba
House on a Thursday Night once a month and on anniversaries etc at the appropriate venue.

FELLOWSHIP OF GOOD COUNSEL TRUST
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The principal function of The Fellowship of Good Counsel Londondery is to support the advancement of the
Christian Religion, by promoting through the creation and subsequent ministry of The Columba Communty,
and being open to, and engaging wtth. society as a whole and offering support to the marginalised and the
socially needy is essential to the practical delivery of Gospel Values.
We have established four ￿ntre$ for the advi￿ and counselling of the socially needy communty and a
Rehabilitation Centre for those suffering from Addiction.
The Advancement of Reli
ion
The direct benefrts which flow from Purpose 1 include improved spiritual awareness and an increase in faith
resulting in more rounded individL5als with reduced levels of stress and anxiety contributing more positNely to
the communty at large. These benefrts can be evidenced I demonstrated through oral feedback from clients
in conversation, personal testimony attendances at Se￿l¢e$, greater social integration, and a more joyful and
confident demeanour and the continuing supporting of Columba Communty by the freety giving of time skills
and finan￿ over many years by many individuals. We see no possibilty of hami emanating from our
proclamation of the Christian message but the wider benefft to the public will OU￿e1gh any detriment arising
in the course of Christian OLrtreach. The chartvs beneficiaries are any member of the public who presents for
help or spiritual direction at any of our premises or services. Any private benefrt arising out of the fulrilment of
our Christian ministry or to lay staff is essential to the fulfilment of the purpose of the advancement of religion.
The AdVan￿rnent of Education
The direct benefrts which flow from Purpose 2 include improved knowledge in specific areas. a greater
experience in many subject areas and an increase in lrfe skills leading to a more confident and productive
community. These benefits can be evidenced I demonstrated through feedback from clients on evaluation
forms, a greater interest in the particular subject area, the observance of use made of the particular skills and
the fact that beneficiaries return to further programmes. We see no possibilty of harm emanating from any
teaching from experienced teachers but the wider benefft to the public will outweigh any detriment arising in
the course of Christian teaching. The chanty's beneficiaries are any member of the public who presents for
courses or lrte skills training at any ot our premises or services. Any pnvate benefrt ansing out of the fuifilment
of our educational ministry by tutors I teachers I faciltiators is essential to the fulfilment of the purpose of the
advancement of education.
The Relief of Distress
The direct benefrts which flow from purpose 3 include the creating of freer more positive and joyful individuals
contributing energeticalty to their families and communrties. We see no possibilty of hann emanatlng from
any healing ministry or pastoral counselling from very experienced individuals engaged in this ministry. These
beneffts can be evidenced I demonstrated through greater social integration, and a more joyful and confident
demeanour among those vtho have experienced the removal of stress from their lives. The charity's
beneficiaries are any member of the public who presents for relief of distress at any of our centres. Any
private benefrt arising out of the fulfilment of our healing ministry by communty members or Christian
ministers is essential to the fuffilment of this purpose.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The trustees gratefully continue to acknowledge the efforts of the Communty, our staff and the increasing
number of volunteers who have enabled us to progress our vision and mission statement and to continue our
work throughout 2022123.
It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the sterling work of many of the communty members who
worked tirelessly to keep St. Anthony's functioning throughout this difficuli time. The Facebook pages of both
IOSAS Centre and Columba House were used extensNely to take the place of garden tours with articles on
individual Cettic Saints, teaching videos from Fr Neal and other members of the community including a series
of teachings on Columba and a seven-week course New Life in the Spirit all of which were favourabty
received.

FELLOWSHIP OF GOOD COUNSEL TRUST
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Key objectives. outcomes and evaluations from programmes facilitated during the financial year are as
follows=
The YARD Project
The circumstances of the pandemic and restrictions on activtties meant tt was not possible to continue YARD
Project programme delivery during the year. This will be remedied when conditions allow. We have plans to
revamp the Yard Project once the pandemic ceases but until this point there will be little project activty with
the exception of keeping up our association with other youth groups on social media, email and other
platFomis.
The Connections Programme
Building upon the success of the pilot programme delivered previously, the Connections programme has
developed into a regular seNice provided to the local communty. Wrth a target age range of 65 yrs+ the
programme aims to enhance the INes of older people through lifelong learning opportunities accompanied by
health and wellbeing elements such as meditation and exercise.
We acknowledge the support of Dery cty and Strabane District Council in providing financial resources to
develop and sustain this programme. The Connections programme is delivered weekly to a group of people
aged 65-82yrs wtth an average weekw attendance of 12 people. The impact of the pandemic has meant it
has been difficult for this programme to flourish and increase in breadth of activities. However, tt is clear that
the project provides a vttal SeN1￿ with a demand in the communty. therefore we will continue service
delivery in whatever way we can during this difficult time.
Volunteer Recruitment and Development
As a volunteer-led organisation we have relied on the support of a broad base of volunteers to enable us to
fu￿11 our mission and provide our services to the local community in 2022r23. A number of volunteer
recruitment initiatives were successful in attracting new volunteers to assist with various roles. Our volunteers
assist with everyday roles such as reception l administration, housekeeping, workshop facilitation and other
duties. Addrtionally, youth volunteers assist wrth the design and delivery of youth programmes.
We see the volunteer relationship as recipn)cal and mutually beneficial. As an organisation we beneftt from
the time, talent and skills of volunteers and rety on their commitment to continue our vmrk. In the past year
we have developed our volunteer management policy to incorporate regular volunteer I supe]visor
evaluations. This has enabled us to better recognise and meet the needs of our volunteers. Feedback from
these volunteer evaluations has noierj tsenefrts for volunteers including Improvements to mental heatth
through volunteering, increased self*steem, better social connections and desire for further training and
leaming.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total income for the year was £18,711 of which £17.095 was genetated from donations and legacies. The
balance of income was generated from rent recetved for room hire and sales of merchandise. Total
expendtture by the charity was £20.339, all of which was expended on direct charitable acttvities. The
balance on funds at the year*nd was £83,872 of which £38,826 is restricted funding carried forward to
2023124 and the balance of £45,046 which is unrestricted in nature.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not b￿n designated for a specific use should
be maintsined at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure. The Trustees consider that
reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a signtficant drop in funding. they will be able to continue
the charty's current activities while consideration is given to way5 in which additional funds may be raised.
The Trustees have assessed the cost of providing a reduced level of services in order to continue operating
in the event of a reduction in income and consider this amount to be appr0￿matelY £20,000 per annum.
Therefore, the target level of reserves is £5,000 to £10.000. Free reserves as at 31st March 2023 are
£45,046. The Trustees continue to monitor the general level of reserves in accordance with the upper level of
the target so that they will be able to continue the current activtties of the charity.

FELLOWSHIP OF GOOD COUNSEL TRUST
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
In the 2023r24 year we aim to continue to strengthen the spiritual and pastoral wort(, vthich is Ca￿led out at
all our centres, one in Northem Ireland and four in the Republic of Ireland. This has still been severely limited
by the presence of the Covid restrictions, but we are planning for the future whilst trying to help people cope
with the present Clrcumstsn￿s.
We have retumed to Columba House for our Week￿ meetings, and we intend at some time to run Baptism in
the Spirf( l Lrfe in the Spirit seminars at one or more of our centres or at the invitation of any parish to us to
minister there.
The YARD project has not been able to operate as nomial during this time although before that our aims
were being followed as usual. Workshops and classes were not able to be provided for all of the dates they
were booked in for.
The Connections Programme continues to be delivered to accommodate all participants. We will completely
revamp the Connections programme for older people and explore opportunities to enhance the range of
activities offered to participants.
We ceased providing pastoral support and prayer ministry to residents of V4hite Oaks Rehabilitation Centre at
meetings on Wednesday nights monthly and Sunday momings and Saturday evening Worship were
eventualty stopped by law, but this will conts.nue when possible.
The residential programme reopened at Vthtteoaks and with limtted numbers because of Covid bLrt hopefully
will now continue to operate and we will deal with issues rf they arise. Despite the restrictions placed on our
work the stsff at each centre have worked hard, opening when possible by law, and attending zoom meetings
when possible and continuing to adapt to all drficutties and overcome them where possible.
We interbd to continue our limrted collaboration wtih the Lowng Sister Earth Movement to suppon the National
Holy Wells Day in June but being led by obedience to any imposed restrictions.
In 2021 work VRS at an advanced stage on establishing a Centre in Letterkenny for people who have
completed the residential programme at IM)ite oaks but are not yet ready to go back into society. This Centre
was indeed opened and has been appropriately named Carfin House in honour of our founder and director Fr
Neal Carlin. it is managed and run by the Boar¢J of Vvhiteoaks. We wisn them every success and hope that
during 2024 the Communty %*ill be able to go there for an informal visit.
Looking ft)rward to next year at Columba House we will continue to deliver our youth work programme
through The Lenten Experience rf possible. Work to upgrade the electrics in the Celtic Garden is needed.
This will require funding. In the meantime in December 2022 staff from the IOSAS Centre and Celti¢ Garden
delivered The Follow a Star Christmas event for familie5, Wtth the assistance of volunteers. This event was
on a smaller scale until funding becomes available to upgrade the electrics.
We will seek to further build our volunteer base and develop the skills of existing volunteers through in-house
and accredited training programmes when possible.
Throughout the Pandetnic we have kept in touch with people and people have kept in touch with us by every
means at our disposal. It is clear that people still want and need our seNi¢es and want to be part of what we
do. This gives us hope for the future and so we enter this new year on an optimistic note.
Last year was the 1500th year of Saint Columba's birth and we have already used Facebook and WhatsApp
to spread the word to commemorate this event and wll continue to explore new avenues to keep the name
and message of Colmcille alive in the cty. We have available for sale all four of Fr Neal's Books as hard
copies and on Kindle and will no doubt continue to go down all avenues to broadcast that news.
We On￿ again reiterate that, as in previous years, the work of Columba Communty V￿11 continue, and we will
endeavour to implement the leadings of the HO￿ Spirit to bring new life to society in general.

FELLOWSHIP OF GOOD COUNSEL TRUST
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The Fellowship of Good Counsel Trust is an unincorporated charttable organisation and is governed by its
Constitution.
Recruitment and appointment of the Trustees
All people in the area of benefit, withoLrt discrimination. are eligible for appointment as a Trustee. Proposals
for application to membership are submttted to the Board of Trustees and individuals may be elected if they
are so willing and ac￿pted by the Board. in accordance with the charitls Constitution.
Organisation Structure
The Trustees who served during the year were:
Ann Mccay
Tommy Mccay
Liam Mccloskey
(Liam passed away on the 7th April 2022 and The Trustees and the Communty
members all aCkno￿edged his contribution over the years.)
Marguerite Hamilton
Fr. Shaun Dohety
Martin McKeever
Kathleen Devlin
The Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the organisation. The Trustees are from
a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charty.
All members of the Board of Trust*s give their time voluntarity and receive no beneffts from the charty. Any
expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
The trustees work with the management committee known as The Columba Communty of which 6 trustees
are also members being MarguerTte Hamilton, Fr Shaun Dohety, Ann Mccay, Tommy Mccay. Kathleen
Devlin, and Martin McKeever. This management committee oversees the actNities of the centres providing
staff line management, financial monitoring, programme design and evaluation. The charty's administrator
manages the day to day running of the organisation including programme co-ordination and oversees a team
of volunteers who provide office cover, answering the telephone and door, assistance to visttor5 arbd general
duties as required at Columba House and St Anthon￿$.
As reported last year Fr Neal Carlin Founder of Columba Community passed away on the 6th August 2021. Fr
Neal's ministry still continues at all the Centres. Responsibilty for the implementation is under the jurisdiction
of The Fellowship of Good Counsel with responsibilty for its implementation in the hands of the trustees and
specifically directed and led by Marguerite Hamilton assisted by Fr. Shaun Doherty. On the ground the work
of operating the centres is Ca￿led out by The Columba Community previously established over the years by
Fr Neal and now continuing to work in Columba House, Derry Cty, St Anthonys Retreat Centre, Donegal,
IOSAS Centre and associated White Oaks Organics, Cettic Garden, Sanctuary Chalets, Visitors Centre and
Cafél Restraunt in Donegal and in a limited manner in V4lhtteoaks Rehabilitation Centre.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
The reference and administrative details of the charity can be found on page 1.

FELLOVVSHIP OF GOOD COUNSEL TRUST
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations.
Charity law requi￿ the Trustees to prepare financral statements for each financial year. Under that law the
Twstees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordan￿ with applicable law and United
Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally AC￿pted Accounting Practice). Under charity
law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources,
including income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial
statements, the Trustees are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistentty;
Observe the methods and principles in the Chartties SORP",
Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent"
State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and
Prepare the financial statements on the going con￿rn basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the
charty will continue in operation.
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 charty and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply wtth applicable law and
regulations. 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.
By order of the Trustees
Tommy Mcca
Trustee
Date:
202
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