2025-03-31-annual-report

ACCORD N.IRELAND Catholic Marrit4e Care SeNce ANNUAL REPORT 2024

ACCORD CENTRES IN NORTHERN IRELAND • Ilwry •1 Arrn•gh Northern Ireland Centres are based in: Amiagh Ballymena. Belfast, Derry Downpatrick Enniskillen Maghera Newry Omagh ' Coleraine outreach centre & NIRO outreach centre

CONTENTS

 Accord NI Mission and Vision Statement

 A message from Archbishop Eamon Martin

 NISRA Statistics  ACCORD NI Synodal Gathering

 ACCORD NI Marriage Education Service

 ACCORD NI Counselling Service

 ACCORD NI Annual Audit Accounts

MIssioN STATEMENT Empowering people. Fostering Relationships. Caring for Couples facing the challenges of Christian Marriage. VISION STATEMENT The three Accord Companies, Accord Nl CLG, Accord Dublin CLG and Accord CLG, share the same vision statement. They provide a nationwide service to couples preparing for or seeking a deeper commitment within the Sacrament of Marriage. They are committed to providing a quality service. Their Facilitators and Counsellors come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are appropriately trained. They respond to the challenges facing Chriskn'an Marriage today and affi.rm its value in an ever-changing world. Facilitators and Counsellors empower couples to explore and reflect on: The essential elements of Sacramental Marriage. The purpose and value of their choices within a committed relationship. Accord on the island of Ireland serves the pastoral needs of couples at different stages in their relationship. PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE in a Christian context focuses on the essential components which foster a good couple relab'onship: Lifelong commitment. Communication and conflict resolution skills. Responsible parenthood within a faith context. Time and resource management. Trust in the providence and love of God. ONGOING SUPPORT throughout marriage facilitates: The development of strategies for the emotional, spiritual and psychological wellbeing of couples. Reflection on the Christian experience of unconditional love, commitment and family life. MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING is provided for couples as well as individuals in a couple relationship in a caring and confidential manner. It is a twofold process enabling clients to identify and acknowledge difficulties in their relationship and to discover their inner resources to deal with them.

ACCORD N.IRELAND Catholic Marrif4e Care SeThice N. IRELAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Archbishop Eamon Martin Deirdre O'Rawe (company secretary) Bishop Larry Duffy Bishop Donal McKeown Mary Lewis Bishop Alan McGuckian Peter McGuinness Bishop Michael Router Gemma Loughran N. IRELAND OFFICE STAFF (FULL-TIME & PART-TIME) Mrs Deirdre O'Rawe Mrs Joanne McKee, Administrator Regional Director Mrs Bronagh Mccourt, Administrator Mrs Moira O'Hare, Administrator Mrs Brenda Russell Senior Finance Admin/Privacy Officer AUDITORS BANKERS Hill Velacott Bank of Ireland, Donegal Square South CHARITABLE STATUS CHARITY NO: NIC102330 COMPANY NO: N1627165

A message from the Chairperson Archbishop Eamon Martin

As we reflect on the past year, the deepening challenges faced by families and couples across Northern Ireland underscore the critical importance of our mission. Cuts to the Voluntary and Community Sector are regrettable; the Core Grant Scheme has ensured the sustainability of our organisations and the vital role we play in our wider health and care system. In the face of poverty, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse and mental ill-health, the role of faith-based, pastoral, and voluntary services like Accord (NI) remains essential and life-giving in the areas of marriage, relationships, and family stability. Relevant statistics indicate that while divorce rates declined slightly in the post-pandemic years, they remain significant. Family Courts are dealing with an increasing number of cases involving child contact disputes. Women's Aid reports increasing demand for counselling and refuge. Relationship breakdown remains a complex and growing issue in Northern Ireland, driven by factors such as communication failure, financial strain, parenting conflict, addiction, and mental health issues. Our clinical experience confirms that inter-couple conflict is a leading driver of family instability.

As a service rooted in Catholic values, we believe in the dignity of marriage and the potential for healing through forgiveness, communication, and support. We commend the need for effective marriage preparation, particularly in the areas of self-awareness and emotional literacy. We also affirm the irreplaceable value of specialised couples counselling, especially when undertaken early. In the words of the late Pope Francis, “Marriage is not a static ideal but a lived witness to total, faithful, and fruitful love. Even in brokenness, hope remains”. Couples availing of Accord’s Marriage Preparation Programme learn that bringing hope into their future marriage is about nurturing connection, understanding, and a shared vision, even when challenges feel overwhelming.

Nearly one in four children in Northern Ireland live in relative poverty—amounting to approximately 100,000 children. We know from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the N.I. Executive’s Anti-Poverty Strategy that childhood poverty is closely linked to future hardship. Low parental income, family instability, mental health challenges, and abuse significantly raise the likelihood of poverty continuing across generations. The Executive’s Anti- Poverty Strategy 2025-35 acknowledges that a wide range of family factors impacts on the chances both of families being in poverty, and also of a child growing up to experience poverty later in life. Research has shown that childhood poverty has a causal effect on children’s future poverty status with parental income having one of the strongest associations with children’s future income and children’s intermediate outcomes. Family structure is also a significant issue in this area and a variety of research has shown that family instability can be closely associated with a higher risk of poverty.

A message from the Chairperson Archbishop Eamon Martin

Marriage and relationship breakdown in Northern Ireland, like elsewhere, can be attributed to a complex set of factors, including inter-couple disagreements and conflict, and unresolved tension between partners. Families we support often endure food insecurity, and emotional distress. Our response must go beyond immediate crisis intervention towards sustainable relationship support. Enabling stable, resilient family life as a shield against poverty.

In a landscape marked by rising need, our services continue to provide clinical-quality counselling to couples and families. We collaborate with schools, parishes, and local partners to promote emotional wellbeing and advocate for policies that support family stability, mental health, and poverty reduction. We provide our services based on the needs of couples seeking help, rather than on an ability to pay. We echo the Joseph Rowntree Foundation call that voluntary and faith-based organisations are ‘vital first responders’ in tackling poverty and despair. Our work is pastoral and prophetic—standing beside those in pain, offering not only professional care but the hope of reconciliation and renewal.

The Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 provides a special moment to reflect on our work in ACCORD NI and to look forward. Hope amid crises is rooted not in naiveté but in trust: trust in Christ’s reconciling power, in the strength of family, and in collective acts of kindness and peace. Speaking to those feeling “stuck” or in despair during his General Audience, Pope Leo recently said, “Sometimes it seems to us that it is useless to continue to hope; we become resigned and no longer want to fight… but reality has to be faced, and together with Jesus, we can do it well.”

We recommit to being His presence for families in crisis. We remember the words of Pope Francis, “Hope also entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it”. Thank you to our Marriage Education Facilitators, Counsellors, Supervisors and Tutors who bring this hope to others; your faith, dedication, and compassion continue to transform lives.

Chairman

Archbishop Eamon Martin

NISRA STATISTICS 2024

NISRA MARRIAGE STATISTICS 2024

Most popular month to get married in 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
JAN FEB MAR APR
MAY JUN JUL AUG
3.5 % 96.5%
SEPT OCT NOV DEC
Same Sex Opposite Sex
Marriages Marriages
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
7251 Marriages 2024
Males
36.3 years
Females
34.4 years
4665 2586
1715
Catholic
Marriages
----- End of picture text -----

NISRA MARRIAGE STATISTICS 2024

In 2024:

• A total of 7,251 marriages were registered, around 243 less than the 2023 total (7,494). Same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has been legal since 13 January 2020, following the enactment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2019, therefore, this figure includes both opposite sex and same sex marriages.

From the 7 December 2020 to 6 December 2023 the Marriage and Civil Partnership (NI)(No2) Regulations 2020 allowed a same-sex couple to convert a previous civil partnership to a marriage. The regulations also permitted opposite sex couples to convert a previous marriage to a civil partnership. The number of marriage registrations up to December 2023, therefore, also includes civil partnership conversions that were registered in 2023.

As this window for conversions closed in December 2023, the number of marriages registered in 2024 only reflects new marriages that have taken place. • August was the most popular month to get married (1,144). This includes marriages registered in early 2025 that took place towards the end of 2024. • Men were on average almost two years older than women getting married

(36.3 years and 34.4 years respectively). Compared with 30 years ago, the ages of both grooms and brides increased by approximately seven years (29.8 and 27.7 respectively).

• The majority of marriages (80.8 per cent) were first-time marriages for both partners, while in 7.5 per cent of marriages both partners had been previously married. • 84.5 per cent of marriages were of couples who both resided in NI. • Nearly 3 in every 5 religious/belief marriages (57.8 per cent) were held in a religious building. The remaining 42.2 per cent of all religious/belief marriage ceremonies were held in approved venues.

• Over two thirds of all civil marriages (68.5 per cent) were held in a registry office. The remaining 31.5 per cent of civil marriages were held in approved venues.

ACCORD NI SYNODAL GATHERING 28TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Synodal Reflection

Following the Synodal Reflection in 2023, a further gathering took place in 2024 to broaden the discussion with a wider audience including apostolates for marriage and family - priests, representatives of pastoral councils, agencies/groups involved in the ministry of marriage and family, and education bodies.

It was agreed that a proposal be taken forward for members of organisations present on this day to join the Council for Marriage and the Family and allow for closer working on our common mission. A commitment was given that there would be more of these gatherings in order to continue to build relationships and encourage each other in our challenging and vital work.

ACCORD NI MARRIAGE EDUCATION SERVICE

The Work of Accord NI – Marriage Education

Accord (NI) Marriage Education Service

Thanks to the Accord (NI) Marriage Education Facilitators, 1255 couples , (2510 individuals), availed of the Accord ‘Marriage a Journey, not a Destination’ programme, in 2024.

Seven new marriage education facilitator trainees began training and a further five completed training. As always, we are indebted to the dioceses and parishes for helping with annual recruitment. The updated Accord Marriage Preparation Programme was approved by the Irish Bishops Conference in June 2023. As we prepared to offer this updated programme, we acknowledge the commitment of our priests and deacons to couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. The engagement with couples during this part of their parish journey helps them to engage in, and become part of, the life of the parish community into the future. In order to enhance and support this accompaniment, the Bishops produced a video and summary of the Accord marriage preparation programme. It is our hope to build on the meeting between clergy and couples and provide resources to help deepen the conversation.

The video and materials cover key areas: family of origin, communication, conflict, commitment, intimacy and sexuality, children and sacrament. All aspects of the programme are influenced by the Sacrament of Marriage and explore how they as a couple will live out the sacrament in their daily lives; their openness to each other, the manner in which they communicate, resolve their differences, and how they will witness this vocation as a married couple in their parish community.

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child; Pope Francis in Amoris Laetitia seems to be saying to us it takes a parish to prepare a couple for the sacrament of marriage and accompany them in their early years of married life. “ The main contribution to the pastoral care of families is offered by the parish, which is the family of families, where small communities, ecclesial movements and associations live in harmony ” (A.L. para 202).

Quotes from Couples atending Accord (NI) Marriage Preparaton Programme 2024

“My fiancée and I attended an ACCORD marriage preparation course in January 2024. We were both slightly apprehensive beforehand, as we didn’t know what to expect. The content was delivered at a steady pace by two friendly course facilitators, with time for group discussions, personal note taking, then sharing and talking through those opinions/values with my fiancée.

It made us think about our family background, and how that has shaped us, both positively and negatively, what we want to achieve from marriage, our experiences within the church, and our views on the importance of marriage as a sacrament.

The whole experience of the course was very enjoyable and worthwhile for both of us as we prepare for our married life together.”

“Engaging in the Accord Marriage Preparation Course provided a meaningful opportunity to delve into crucial discussions together. The facilitators were respectful and insightful. They ensured that we had time together to discuss ways to improve connection, commitment, communication and managing conflict”.

“We really enjoyed the course and got a lot of beneficial knowledge from the course that will stand to us for our married life”.

Love is patient, love is kind, Love doesn’t insist on its own way. Love bears all things,

believes all things, endures all things.

Love Never Fails.

1 Corinthians 13

ACCORD NI COUNSELLING SERVICE

The Work of Accord NI - Counselling Service 2024

A range of relevant topics were covered in CPD:

• Working with Couples in the Aftermath of Infidelity

• Diversity in the Work of the Couples and Relationships Counsellor

• The Particular Challenges of Working with Couple and Relationships Cases where there are

• Step Family Dynamics

• Working with Cases where Domestic Abuse has been identified

• An Introduction to Addiction in Couples Work

• Grief and Loss Informed Practice

• The Impact of Illness and Disability on the Couple Relationship: Challenges for the

• Couple Therapist

• An Introduction to Trauma in Couples Work

• Masterclass in Couple and Relationships Counselling Skills

• Masterclass in Couple and Relationships Counselling Skills

• Facilitating Couples to share emotions and vulnerability

• Sexual Issues in Couple Therapy: The role of the Couple Therapist

• An Introduction to Neurodiversity in Couples Work

• Masterclass in Family Therapy Skills

• Facilitation couples to share emotions and vulnerability

Presenting Problems in the Counselling Room

Our Needs Assessment process assists our counsellors to establish and understand the nature of client presenting Our Needs Assessment process assists our counsellors to establish and understand the nature of client problems and assures them that Accord CLG is the right agency to assist them. Below you will find extracts from presenting problems and assures them that Accord NI is the right agency to assist them. Below are extracts from the anonymous Needs Assessment process conducted at first appointment. This process also includes an ongoing the anonymous Needs Assessment process conducted at first appointment. This process also includes an review process. ongoing review process.

Presenting Problems in the Counselling Room, continued

Presenting Problems in the Counselling Room, continued

2024 Couple Testimonial.

From a couple who availed of counselling: I just wanted to send a message of appreciation and thanks for the exceptional care and attention that were offered to both my husband and I, throughout our marriage counselling in Belfast. Our Counsellor was both kind and compassionate towards us at every step, helping us to work through our issues and reach common ground.

I honestly don’t believe we would have ever got to that point on our own. If it wasn’t for our Counsellor’s insight and perspective, I hate to think where we would be. Please send on our thanks and gratitude to her. It should also be said that other staff members we met along the way, were extremely warm and welcoming too, taking the fear out of the process for us both.

Thank you

ACCORD Northern Ireland CLG Centres

ACCORD N. Ireland CMCS CLG, N. I Regional Ofce

1st Floor, 68 Berry Street, Grotto Entrance, Belfast, BT1 1FJ

E: [e-mail]

T: 02890 233002 / W: www.accordni.com

Accord Armagh Centre (Craigavon)

E: [e-mail]

T: 02890 233002

Accord Ballymena Centre

E: [e-mail]

T: 02890 339944

Accord Belfast Centre

E: [e-mail]

T: 02890 339944

Accord Derry Centre

E: [e-mail]

T: 02871 362475

Accord Enniskillen Centre

E: [e-mail]

T: 02890 233002

Accord Maghera Centre

E: [e-mail]

T: 02890 339944

Accord Newry Centre

E: [e-mail]

T: 02830 263577

Accord Omagh Centre

E: [e-mail] T: 02890 233002

ACCORD NI AUDITED ACCOUNTS

11 HILL VELLACOTT 22 Great Victoria Street. Belfast 8T2 7BA T. [phone] mail@hillvellacott com www.hillvellacott.com CHARTEREO ACCOUNTANTS COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: N1627165 CHARIry REGISTRATION NUMBER: NIC102332 Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements 31 March 2025 HILL VELLAcorr Chartered accountsnts & statutory auditor 22 Great Victoria Street Belfast BT2 7BA

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Umlted by Guarantee Flnanclal Statements 11 Year ended 31 March 2025 Page Trustees, annual report (Incorporating the directorfs report) IndeperKlent auditorfs report to the members Statement of financial activities (induding income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position Notes to the financial statements 15 16 17

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2025 11 The trustees. who are also the directors for the purposes of company law. present their report and the financial statements of the charlty for the year ended 31 March 2025. Reference and admlnlslratlve detslls Reglstered charlty name Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Charlty reglstration number NIC102332 Company wlstrallon number N1627165 Pilnclpal offlce and reglstered Cana House off ice Sl Marls Church. ChaFl8 Lan8 Grotto Entrance 1st Hoor. 68 Berry Street BeHast BT11FJ The trustees Archbishop Eamon Martin Bishop Michael Router Bishop Donal McKeown Bishop Lawrence Dulfy Mr P McGuinness Mrs G Loughran Bishop Alan McGuthan (Apwinted 27 April 2024) Company secrelary Audltor D￿rdre O'Raw8 Hill Vellacott Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 22 Greal Victoria Street Belfasl BT2 7BA Struclure. governance and managemenl Accord (Nll has centres across N. IrelarbJ with ils R8gional Offic8 based in Belfast. This year the company was fully operational with a central administration. In 2024125, the company had 2 full time and 3 part-lime employees. 46 volunteers, and 15 in training. The Board of Trusle8s mèt on a quarterly basis and the day-to-day operalions we delegated to the Regionai Director. Aceord Northèrn Irelar¢d Catholic Marriage Care Service has eight regional centres in Beltast {Including Downpalriek}. Derry. Armagh. Newry, Maghera, Omagh. Ballymena. Enniskillen and an outreach centre in Coleraine and a Regional Office In Bellast.

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llmited by Guarantee Truslees. Annual Report Oncorporatlng the Dlrectorfs Report) (conthu*d) Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Objectlves and adlvltles AC￿rd (Nl) is an agerw ol the CathOr￿ Church F¥ovidiTrJ a servlce to COu￿e$ preparing for or seeking a deeper tsjmmitment within Ihe Sacrament of Marriage. Accord INI'S) services are op8n to all regardless of faith, denominatKfyn or none. SeTvices are Pfov¥Jed, based on client need ralher than abilty lo pay. In the Marriage Education Programm8, couples are In￿1￿￿ to explore and rellecl on the essential elgmenls of their marrkqge and the purpose arKI value ol their choices within a committed rglationshtp. Accord INI) sp8cialisès in Inler-church marriage preparation and worf(s with c￿rgY from the olher main denominations. Relationship counselling is provided for couples, as well as individuals In a couple relationshp. in a earing and (xJnlid8ntial manner. People who benelil from our V•Drk are: Those whose abllty to communicate in marriag8 is enhanc8d in marriage preparalion; Those who learn ihrough counselling to cope wilh. Twhat on their omn. would be over-whelming challenges in their relationships; Those who avail of the lertllity and wem)elrvJ serv￿e. The child￿n, parents and teachers who benefrt from ihe pioneerirMJ work in relationshlps and $8xualty education in ￿hoolS., Those who are helped through counselling to separate amie2bly and to M1￿Mise the consequential damage to their children. Accord {Nl's) couns811ing Serv￿ ￿ntrIL￿rtes in a very wsibve thBy to the happiness and wellkning ol many chikfren, often very significantly, when their parents seek help in order to res0￿& their relationship difficulties. As a pastoral Serv￿ based on gospel values, Accord (Nl) seeks to support and strengthen marriages. relationships and families. Research cl&arly shows thal inter-paTental conflict can damage intimate relationships and cause disruption in family lile. This is even more critical lor children Imng in silualions ol domestic violence OT abuse. The family is necessary for the stability ol society as a unit in which children, the future generation, ar8 nurtur8d, cared for and reared into adulthood. Emotts)nalty unh8allhy or dysfunctional families lind the task of rearing and enabling children to be balanced and happy quite challenging and difliculL Because of the importance of the famity tor the lrfe and well-being of society, it is essential thal Accord {Nl} continu8s lo work to to provKle the necessary sUpp￿ts to slrengihen marriage and the famity. Accord {Nl's} work falls within activities maThJaled by the Department ol Healih. Family and Children's Policy Directorate. In addition, the aims of the organisation dovetail with and compliment Ihe Government's Families Matter - Supporting Families in Northern Ireland12008}. This strategy supports the aims and objectives ol anolher strategy - 'Our Children and Young Pecole, Our Pledge. which sets out th9 vision lor improving suppcKt for families arKI chlldren. With 11 loeations throughout Northern Ireland, Accord INI) strNes to be as accessble as possible and to reach out to those most marginalised in our socioty- A signrfunt number ol people who avail from our semces coukj not affofd eounselling vrithin the prNate sector. An additional direct benefit is that hèlping families to remain together reduces the (a)st to the exchequer.

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limlted by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) fconLTnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Strategic report The followng sections for achievements aThJ ptormanc8 and linancial T￿8￿ form the strategic report of the charity. Achlevements and pertomiance Accord (Nll Marriage Education Facilitators offered SUFWt and defiverwJ marriage preparation to 1,225 cou￿9S across N.Ireland. Both tace-to-face aTrJ the adapted Virtual Inleraclive Marriag8 Preparation programme continued to provide an orrortunty for couples, including inler-church couples, preparing lor sacramental marriage and was enthusiasticalty delivergj by our faciltiators. There were 1,219 hours of marrlage a￿5 relalionship ts)urtsdlirvJ provKled both in-person and online. Statislts on the challenges couples face when ryesenting f(x counseifing are as follows: Communl¢atlon 22% noted that they and their partner were nev8r or sek)m abl8 to tan( and ￿Sten to each other 36Y. felt they were always or often Kjnored OT not listened lo by their partner 11% reported that they always or often ignored or not listen lo their partner 20Y. feli they were a￿ayS of often critiCi8ed or insulted by their partner 12Q/ reported that they always or often crilicise their partner 13V• felt they were a￿ayS or often belittled or put down by their partner SY• reported that they always or often belittled or put down Iheif partner. Problemallc Behavlour 6% reported their own or their partnerfs use of alcohol was always or oftèn problematic 3% reported their own or their partnèr's use of drugs was always or often problemati¢ 2% reported their own or th￿r partner's gaM￿ing was a￿ayS or often prob]ematic 16Yo reported their own or their partnerfs use of the phonehexting always or often caus8d problems 15Yo reported that their on or their partnerfs usè ol thè internet or social media always or often caused problems 29Yo reported that trust in the relationship was dways or 0ft8n affected by problem behaviours. Intimacy 33 10 report￿ that they never or seldom experienced closeness and affeCt￿n ￿￿th thelr partner 43 /0 described their sexual relationship as eithei absenL poor or very poor 5Y• reported dilficulty always or often having sex 7Yo reported their partner always or often haviTr3 CO￿ernS at￿ut another ch)se, physicd, or 8motional relalionship of theirs 12% reported always or often having concerns atr￿t another ctOS8. physical, or emotlonal relationship of their partn8rfs.

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (conthued) Year ended 31 March 2025 11 A¢hlevements and performance {¢opllnuedJ Famlly Issues 26Y• reported Ihat chlldcare and home duknes al*Èys and often caused woblems In th@ relationshl) 18% reported problems between them and thèir own or their partnerfs extended family always or often caused difficutties in their relationship 2Yo reported issues of culture, religious beliets or Y￿UeS often or afways (frfiiculties be￿een them and their partner 14Yp reported bereavement, other loss or grief experlenced by them or their partner affected thelr relationship always or ollen 22Vo reported that either they or thelr partnw abNays or often experienced depression 20Vo reported that finances and finarbial management always or often caused problems befv￿n them. Confllcl 47Vo reported they always. repeatedty often argued Iwth their partner 25Yo reported that arguments are never resolved calmly 61% reported that argurnenls are sometimes resolved calmty 39Va reported that they or their partner aN¥ays. repeatedly or often yelled or shouted during arguments 2Yo rep)rted that they or their partner a￿ays. repeatedly or olien throw Ihings during arguments 2Yo reported that they or iheir partners always. repeatedty or often pushed. hit or slapped during arguments 9Vo rèported Ihal children were wtthin earshot duriThJ arguments always. rep8aledly or often o reported that behaviour during arguments caused distress to chibdren alwa￿. repeatedly or often CPD tor Counsellors: The followir#3 role-r8levant trwning programmes were designed to meet the sp8cialist needs of coulle tx)unsellors and included tmj hwrs ol poSt￿oUrse readiTh3; An Introduction to Neurojiversty in Couples Work Working wilh cases whère Domestic Abuse has b88n identified An Introduction lo Addiction in Couples Work The lrnpact ol Illness and disability on the Couple Relationship.. Challenges for the Coupte Therapist An Introduction lo Trauma in Couples Work Taking Stock - Moving Forward Working with Couples in the Aftermath of Infvjefity Challenges of Working wtth Couples where there are stspfamli y Dynamics CPD tor Mafrfage Educat1(￿ Facllltslors: Laying Strong Foundations Family of Origin Couple Conversations Sèxuality and Intimacy Choosing the Sacrament of Marriage Working with Confi

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Umlted by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conllnuedj Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Achlevements and performance (conthMRdJ Pollcy Revlew and Development The Board undertook a rewew ol all exlsting polThs and pro(￿￿UreS and introduced a number of relevant new pollcies. The following policles FxoC￿uTes were ratifEd In 2024: Domestic Abuse Poncy Child Saleguarding Policy Adult Saleguarding Policy Oala Protection Policy including Prrvacy Noltes Accord Nl Protocol and Pr￿edureS for the DelN8ry of Accord Nl Wirtual Interactive Marriage Preparation Programme Prolocol and Procedures for Online Counsolting Complanls Handling Polw & Procedure Code ol Ethics and Practice Whistle Blowing Policy R8lund and Cancellation Poh'cy Finance Expenses Poli Synodal Reflecllon Follov¥ing the Synodal Rellection in 2023, a lurlher gatherirKJ took place in 2024 to broaden the discussion with a wider audience including aposlolates for marriage and family priests. representatives ot pasloral councils, agencieslgroups involved in the ministry of marriage and family. and education bodies. It was agreed that a proposd be laken lorward for members of organisations piès6nt on this day to iThn the Council for Marriage and the Famli y and alkjw for closer working on our common mission. A commitment was given that there would be more of these gatherings in order to continue to bLJild relationships and encourage each other in our challenging and vital work. Inler-company Meeling. Ballymacscanlon The boards of the three Aocord Companies (Accord Nl, Accord CLG and Accord Dublin) mel in February to review the woth of Accord across the island and realfirm Ihat th8 Work ol this ministry remains important and much needed. Areas of mutual inleresl were discussed inclurfing slionger links th parishes and other r81igious organisations, developing a ministry or marriage, meeting and Communicating with people who have come to make Ireland their home, developing a more outward lacing role. and engaging wilh the rrfeyailing cultura abjul the goods news of ihe beauty of marrlago.

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llmlted by Guaranlee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Directorfs Report) (conthx￿) Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Flnanclal revlew Gwen its responsbilty to ensure organisational sustatnability. the b)ard took thg rfifficult decision of operating recharges to centres in order to meet the balance of lunding required for support providgd by Regional Off￿9. This is a result ol the cessation of the Department ol He￿th Core Grant this year, and Ihe absence of alternative luThYitvJ. Accord (Nll Vlryll aFply for ihe next round ol funding in 2026127. Accord INI) continues to obtain finance from marriage preparation programme delivery. counselling contributions and diocesan grants whith will be used to support families wth complex needs that require both prevention and early Intervent￿n. The iK)ard wtll continue to lobby for the reinslatement of the Core grant and acknowledgement that the Voluntary and Community Sector plays a vital part ol the wblic servK8 infrastruclure in N.Irdand, wilh a reach and expertise that th8 wblic sector d08s not always have into communities. Accord (Nl) Regional Office and all centres operate inrfivpdualty and all resources are transferred into the bank accounls of Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Serwce. All funds are Ic#Jged into. and all expenses paid from, ac(xJunts op8rating under the name ol Accord INI). Plans lor fulure perlods Validation of Marriage Care UKIAccord Nl Certificate in Couple CounsellirKJ Conducl Research on Cathollc Marriage In N.Ireland Selection and Training ol Maniage Education Facilitators Continue to work the Voluntary and Communlty S￿l0r Joint Forum lo Icthy for the relnstalement of grant ahj Further refl8ct on the Key Themes emerging from the Pre-synOd￿ Assembly of the Cathofic Church In Ireland and ensure the centrality of Sacramental Marriage is included. In the Pre. Synodal Assemtjy document. families were recognised as Ihe lirsl educator ol latth,. the Seedbed of belonging. The domestic Church was $8en as central to suslainlryJ faith in an Increasingly secular cont8xL Engage in a further Inler-company Meeting ￿th Sistèr Companies- Accord Dublin and Accord CLG, lo ensure the continuation ol our common shared mission and avail of opp)rtunilies for collaboiation Trustees, responsibilities ststemenl The Iwst8es. who are also directors for the purpos6s of company law, are responsbi le lor preparing the trustees. report and the financial statements in accordance with appliable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (Unit￿1 Kirudom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires tho charty trustees to prepare financaal statements lor each Jpar which give a truè and fair view of the stale of affaits of the charitthe o)mpany and the 1￿MIng resources and ppIl￿tion ol resources. in¢lLKling the income and experKliture, that perth.

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llrnited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectorfs Report) (eonllftu Year ended 31 Mareh 2025 11 In preparing these financial statements. the trustees are required to: select suitable a¢counting FKI1￿1@$ and then aFply them Ixjnsistendy. observe the methods arKI winciples in Ihe Charities SORP. make Il￿ments and a¢￿Unting eslimates that are reasonable and prudent; state vthether akYl￿abI8 UK Acc>wnlirwJ StaThJards have been followed. subi8cI to any fflaterlal departures disdosed and explained in the linanoal statements; prepare the linanclal statements on the gyng o)ncem basls unless it is Inapprowlate to presume that the charlty will continue in business. Thè trustees are responslble for keeping adequate a￿OUnting records thal are sullicaent to show and explain the charitls transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial posit￿￿ of the tharity and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply ￿th the Companies Act 2006. They are also reswnsijle for saleguarding ihe assets ol the charity and hence lor taking reasonable steps ICK Ihe prevention and detection ol fraud arKI other Irregukrities. Audltor Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this rep￿ confirms ihal: so far as they ar& aware, there is no relevanl audit infomiatvJn of which the chariws audilor Is unawwe: and they have taken aN steps that they 0￿ht to have taken as a trustee to make themsefves awaré ol any relevant audit inlcrfmation and to est*ish that the charivs auditor 15 aware of that information. The trustees, annual report atvl the stralegr report were approved on 21 November 2025 and signed on behalf of Ihe board ol trustees by: Archbishop Eamon Martin Trustee Deirdre O'Rawe Charity se￿etary

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of Accord Northern Ireland Cathollc Marrlage Care SeNice Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Oplnlon We have audited the financ￿] statements of P£cord Northem Ireland cathol￿ Marriage Care Sèrvke (the 'charilYI for Ihe year ended 31 Mafch 2025 which comwise the slalement of financial activities (including income and expendilure account). statement of financial position and Ihe related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting Ifamework that has been applied in Iheir preparation is aFvlicable law and United ￿￿dorn Accounllng Slandards. induding FRS 102 The Financial Rep)rting Slandard applicatAe in the UK aTrJ Republ￿ of Ireland (United Klngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true ar¥J fair wew of the state of the charitls affairs as at 31 March 2025 ol its Incoming resources and aFylicatv)n ol resources. incl￿j1ng its income and expenditure. for the year then ended" have been propety wepared in a(￿[dance with United Kingdom Generally knepted AccountlryJ Practice: have begn pyepared in ac(xxdance vilh the requirements ol the Companies Act 2LKJ6 and the Charit18s Act {Northern Iielandl 2008. Basls for oplnlon We conducied our audit in accordance with Intemational Standards on Auditing IUKI (ISAS {UK)l and applicable law. Our responsbililies under those standards are further described in the audilo¢s responsibilities lor the audit ol the financial statefflents wtion of our report. We are independent ol the charity in accordance ¥￿th the ethical requirements that are relevant lo our audit ol th8 financlal slatements in the UK, induding the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and aFVOFyiate lo provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons relatlng lo oolng concem In auditing the financid slalemenls, we have conduded that the trustees. use of the golng concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is aFvowiate. Based on the y￿rk we have perlormed. we have not identrfied any material uncertainties relating lo events or conditions that, indNidually or collectively. may cast significant doubl on the charitys ability to continue as a going concern for a period ol at leasi tsvelve months trom vrfhen th8 linancial statemonts are authorised tor issue. (>Jr responsibilitiès arvj the responsibilities of the trustees wilh re4xcl to going concein are deSCr￿ed in the relevant sectwjns of thls report.

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limlted by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marrlage Care Servlce (eoniinii Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Other Informallon The other inlormation comwises the infomiation induded in the annual repjrt. other than the financlal statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other inlormation. Our opinion on the financial stalemenls does not cover the olher inlormalion and, except lo the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report. y￿ do not exwess any fomi of assurance ¢ondusion Ihereon. In connectDn with our ol the financial statements. our rosponsibilty is to read the othèr information and. in doing $0. consider whether the other infonnalion is materially inconsistent with the Ilnancial statements or our knowledge obtained in ihe aLKIit or othepwise appears to be materially misslaled. 11 we identty suth material ineonsislencies or apparent material misstatements. we ar8 required lo determine whelh8r there is a material misstatemènt in the financial slatements or a malerial misslalemenl of ihe other informalion.11. based on the work we have perfofmed. we concludo that there is a material misstatement ol thi£ other inlormath)n, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Oplnlons on olher matters prescrfbed by the Companles Act 2006 In our oplnion. based on the w￿k undertaken N) the eourse ol the a￿t. the inlormation given in th8 trustees. rewrt for the finan¢ial Jpar for whlch the financial statements are prepared 15 ￿nSiStent with Ihe fina￿￿al stalemenls: aThJ the trustees. report has been wepared in ac(y)rdance with aOicable al requirements. Malters on whlch we are requlred to report by exception In the light of the knowledg8 and underslanding ol the charity aThJ ils environment c4)taln8d in the ourse of the audit. we have not identrfied material mi5slalements in the Irustees, report. We have nothing to rep)rt in resrd of th8 folbwtng matters in relatton to whrch the Companies A£t 2006 and the Charitses Act (Northern Ir8landl 2008 requires us to r8POrt to you il, in our opinion: adequate accountirvJ records have not begn kepL or returns adequate for our audrf( have not been received Irom branches not visited by us; or the financial statemerts are not in agreement wilh the accountiTrJ records and relurns: or certain (fjsdosures ol trustees. remuneration spe¢ilied by law are not made: or we have not recelved all the inforrnalb)n and exFAanations we require for our audil.

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llmlted by Guarantee Independent Audttor's Report to the Members of Aecord Northem I￿land Cathollc Marriage Care Service (Wibn￿dJ Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Responslbllities ol Irustees As explained more lully In the trustees. reswnsibilities slalemenL the trustees {who are also the directors for the purposes of company tawl are res￿nSible for th6 pr8paration of the financial slatemenls and for being satisfied that they give a true and tair view. and for such internal control as the Ifustees determine is necessary to enable the preparali(Jn ol financial statements that are free from material misstalemenl. whether due to Iraud or error. In preparlng the financial statements, the Iruslees are responsibl8 for assessing the chariws ability to conllnue as a going concern, disclosing. as appl￿tle. matters related to going concein arKI using thè wing concern basi8 ol accounting unless the trustees either inteTrJ to liquidate Ihe tharity or to cea$8 operations. or have realistic alternative tmrt to do so. 10

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Audrtovs Report to the Members of Accord Northem Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service (eontIn￿J Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Audltor's responslbllltles lor the audlt ot the finan¢lal statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance abjul whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement. whether due to fraud or error. and lo Issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonal￿e assurance is a high level of assurance. but Is not a guarante8 that an audtt conducted in accordance ISAS (UK) wll always detect a material rnlsslalement when St exists. Misstatements can aTise from fraud or error and are consKlered material il, indiwdually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to Influen￿ the economtc decisions of usefs taken on the basis of these financial ststemgnts. Irregularities. induding liaud. are instances of non￿ompliar￿ vthh laws and regulations. We design procedures in line wilh our responsibilities. oudined aty)ve, lo detect material misslal8ments in respect of irregularities. including traud. The extent lo whtch our proc8dures are capable ol d81eoting irregularities, inclLwJing fraud Is detailed below.. Our aFproa¢h was as follows: We obtained an understandmig ot Ihe1&3al and regulatory frameworks that are Aopficable to the entity and determined thal the mosl signtficanl are those that relatè to: the ¢harllabl8 status of the Charity and tts registrat￿n Ythh The Charty CommissM)n for Northern Ireland under the Chariknes Act (Northern IreIar￿ 2008 and th& Charits Act (Northern Irelandl 2013; compliance vith the Charities SORP (FRS 102) (seco￿ edilion - Octobèr 2020) - Accounting and ReF>)rting by Charities: Stalemenl ol Recommended Practice aA)li¢able to charities preparing iheir accounts in accordance ￿1th th8 Financial ReFWting StaTrJard apFlicable in the UK and Repubtic of Ireland (FRS 102) lell8eliv8 1 January 2020): data pro18Ction laws (inclurfing UK General Data Prol8¢tKJn Regulatk)n (GDPRI). arKI W8 assessed the risks of material misstatement in resF*d ol fraud with the consideration ol: the Charitls own assessment of the risks that irregularthes may oC￿r eith8r b8caus8 of fraL4J or error that was aKyov8d by the diiectors ol the Twstee; the resulis ol Our enquiries ol managemert and the AL#Yit Commlttee a￿ul thelr own k18nlilrAtion and assessment ol the risks ol irregularities., any matters we identified having obtained a￿1 revigwed the Charivs documentation of their policies and procedures relalirvJ to: identifying. evaluating and comFlwng wlth laws arKI regulations and whether they Y￿re aware ol any instances of non-compliance- detecting and respondirthj to Ihe rksks of fraud and whether they have knowwge of any actual. suspected or alleged fraud: the inlomal c£sntrols estab￿Shed to m1￿jale risks of fraud or non4x)mptiancg ¥￿th Lqws and regulations: and the matters discussed amorKJ the audlt erKJagement team règarding h¢)w and whgre fraud might cur in the financial stalements and any kxfytential indtstors ol fraud. 11

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llmlted by Guarantee Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service (¢onVmth*) Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Based on the resulis of our risk assessment we dosigned wr aL#Jit ￿￿thre$ to identify rKJn- compliance with such laws and regUlati￿S Identif￿ above. W8 considered thè opp)rtunibes arKI in¢entives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest polential for fra￿j in the a￿a5 of the conlrols coveriThJ the receipl of ¢J)nations and offerings that are receNed in cash and in whKh management is required to exercis8 gnilicant judgment. such as disdosure ol adjusting items. In common wth all audits under ISAS {UKI, we are also required to perform speofic procedures to reswnd to the risk of management override. wo also obtained an understanding ot the legal and regulatory framework that thè Charity operates in. focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct e118cl on th8 determination of material amounts and disdosurgs in the linancial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included Nl Charity legislation (induding the regulalor, The Charities Commission lor Northarn Ireland) and the Chwily SORP. In addition. we conswjered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a (firecl efloct on the finartlal statements bul compliance thrylh which may be fundamental to thg Group's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. This included data protection and saleguarrfing. we made enquiries of management and those charged with g¢)vemance arKI reViev￿d minutes of the Board of the Trustee arxl Finance Committees and enquired about any communlcations with the tharity regulator. Audit FKoc8dures designga to reswrKI lo the rlsks of Iraud we consldered th& risk of fraud through management overrKle and, in reswnse, we Irthrporated tèsting of manuai journal 6ths into our audit arproach. we considered the risk of fraud through transactions outsid& th8 normal course ol transactions by noting anything that was unusual In natura or ￿ze and enquired abcArt such transaclion to gain an understanding ol their nature- based on the results of our risk assessment we designed our awjil pri)cedures lo wJenlÉfy and to Jdress material misstalemenls in relation lo Irawj and other irregularities. we review￿ the (p8ralion ot the controls within the Northern Ireland Reg￿fia1 off￿e over donations and the segregation ol dUt￿S vrithin those controls, tO3ether with substantive testing and analybcal review and incorpJrating an 818ment of unwedictabilty in the selection of the nature. timing and extent of aLKlit Pfocedures. wo evaluated the selecbon and app￿CatiOn of accounting polscies by the Charity, parlicularty those related to subjective measuremenls and comFlex transactions, that may be indicative ol fraudulont finarwial reporting. 12

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members ol Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service fconlbxKdJ Year ended 31 March 2025 11 As part of an audil In accordance with ISAS (UK), we exercise professional juthJm8nl and maintaln professional Scept￿lsM throwut Ihe audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks ol malerial misstatement of th8 financk2151atem8nts. whether due to fraud or error, design aThJ perform audit prc¢edures responsive to those risks, and (&lain audit evidence that Is suffiaènt and appropriate lo kvovide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material mi8Stalement resulbng from traud is higher than for on8 resulting Irom error. as fraud may invdve collush)n. lorg8ry. inlenlionaS omissions, misrepresentations, or Ihe overridè ol intemal control. Oblain an understanding of intemal control relwdnt lo the audit in order lo destgn auth procedures that are apwopriate in the circufflslances. but not for the purpose ol expressing an opinion on the effectiven8ss ol the internal control. Evaluate the appr¢yiateness of accounting wI￿leS used and the reasonableness of accounling estimates and related disclosures mad8 by the tntste9S. CondLMle on the apprwialeness of ts trustees. use of the wing concern bast5 of accountlng and, based on the autht evhjgnce obtsined. whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast signrficant doubl on the charitls ability to continue as a goirg concern.11 we Conc1￿Je that a material uncertainty exists. we are required lo draw attention in our auditorfs report to the related di￿19$ureS in the financial statements or. il such dis¢bsures are inadequate, to modrfy our OF¥nion. Our conclusions are based on the aU￿1t evfrdence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. H¢)wever. luture events or conditions may cause the charity to cease lo continue as a wng concem. Evaluate the overall presentation. structure content of th8 financSal statements, including the disclosures. and whether the financial sklements represent the urKlgrlying transactions and events in a mannar that achieves lair presenlation. 13

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llmlted by Guarantee Independent Auditorfs Report to Ihe Members of Accord Northem Ireland Catholic Maffiage Care Service (¢onlIn￿l Year ended 31 March 2025 11 We communicate vAth those charged with G4)vemanc8 regarding. among other matters. th8 planned scope and timing of the aucfit and sKJnificant a￿111 firKlings, lnckbJ￿g any signfficant delKiencies in Internal control that we Klentify during our audit. Use of our report This report Is made solety to the charitys members. as a body, in accordance with section 65 01 thg Charities Act (Northern IreIar￿} 2008. Our audil work has been undertaken so that we might slate to the charitYs members those matters we are required to stale to them in an auditor's report and lor no other purpjse. To the fullest extenl permitted by law, we do not accepl or assume respKsnsibilily to anyone other than tho charity and Ihe charitys members as a body. lor our audit work. for this report, or lor th8 opinions w8 have formed. C(mr Mccaffery ACA (Senior Statutw AKlilor) For and on behall of Hill Vellacott Chartered accountanls & slalulory awjilor 22 Great v￿loria Street Bellast BT2 7BA 21 Novemt*r 2025 14

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llmlted by Guarantee Statement of Financial Actlvities (including income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2025 11 2025 Restricled funds Totsl tunds Total funds 2024 unreStr￿ted lunds Note Income and endowmenls Donations and legacies Charitable a￿1vilieS Investmenl income Other incorne 34.234 136,697 9.496 36,547 80.428 114,662 136,697 9.496 36.547 92.175 250.969 7.135 20.547 370,826 Total Income 216.974 80,428 297.402 Expendliure Expenditure on raising funds.. Costs ol raising donations and lègacles Exp8nditure on charitaNe activitps Total expendllure 99,620 99.619 284,728 103.066 231.505 10.11 284,727 284,727 99.620 384.347 334,571 Net (expendlture)Ancome and nel movement In lunds (67.7531 (19,192) (86,945) 36.255 Re¢onclllation ol funds Total funds broughl forward Total tunds carrled forward 443,842 376.089 282,151 282.959 725.993 639,048 689,738 725,993 The statement of financial a¢tNitses includes all gains and losses rectsJnised in the year. All In￿)me and expanthture derive from conlinuing acknvities. Th• notes on pages 17 to 25 fixm parl ol Ihese flnan¢lal strtemenls. 15

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Position 11 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Nole Flxed assets Tangible fixed assets 16 13,268 12,678 CuKenl assets Debtors Cash at bar& and in hand 17 7.786 673,969 681.755 20,719 744,445 765,164 Creditors: amounls lalling due wlthin one year Net current assets 18 55,975 625.780 51,849 713.315 725,993 725.993 Tolal assets less ¢urrent Ilabllltles Net assets 639.048 Funds of the charfty Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 262.959 376.089 282,151 443,842 725.993 Tolal charlty funds 21 639,048 These financial slatem&nls were approved by the board of trustees arKI authorised lor issue on 21 November 2025, and are signed on behall of the board by: Archbishop Eamon Ma￿n Truste8 The notes on pages 17 to 25 form part ol the9e Ilnanclal statements. 16

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limlted by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Statements 11 Year ended 31 March 2025 General Informatlon The charity is a wblic tenefft entity arKI a priwdle company lirnited by guarante8, r8gistered In Northem Irdand arKI a Tegislered d)aiity in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is Cana House. Sl Mtys Church. ChatAe Lane. Grotto Entrar￿8, 1s1 Floor, 68 Bèrry Stre81. Belfast, BT1 1 FJ. Z Statement of compliance These financial statements have been prepared in compliance 7thtyth FRS 102. Th8 Financial Reporting Slandard applicable In the UK and the Republi¢ ol Ireland., the Statement of Recommended Practice appficable to charities preparing Iheir attounts in accordance with the Financaal Retx)rting Standard awicable in the UK and Rewblic ol IrelarKI (FRS 1021 (Charities SORP IFRS 102)) and Ihe Companies Act 2Crf)6. Accounllng pollcles Basls ol preparatlon The finanoal statements have Leen prepared on Ihe historul cost basis, as modified by the revalvalion ol certain financial assets and liabilities aTrJ investment properties measured at fair value through Income ￿ expenditu￿. The finan¢ia] statements are prepared in sterling. wh￿h ks Ihe functional currency of the entlty. Golng concern There are no material uncertatntss al￿ the charitys abllily to ¢ontinue. Judgements and key sources ol estlmatlon uncertalnty The rKeparation of the finwKial statements requires management to make judgements. eslim*es and assumptions that affect the amounts reFOrted. These eslimales and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including exFectations of future events that are believed to be Teasonable under the circumstances. Significant ju(%3ements. There are no judgements {apart from those inv(4ving assimllationsl that the Iruslees have made in the process of applying the unitrfs accounting poli¢ies that that have a significant effect on the amounts recognise in the financial statements. Key sources of estimation uncertainty Accounting estimates and assumplrons are made concerning future and, by their nature, will rarely equal the related actua] outcome. There are no key assumptions other sources of estimation uncertainly that have a signtfiwit risk of causing a materid adjustment to th8 carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. 17

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Slatements (c￿1 Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Accounting policies (condnwdj Fund accountlng Unreslricteil lunds are available lor use at the discretion of th8 trustees to lurther any ol the charitys purposes. Designated lunds are unrestrthd funds earmarked by the truslees lor partKuEar future project or commitrnant. Restricled funds are subjected lo restrictions on their expenrfrture declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub.dasses.' reStr￿ted income funds or endowment funds. Incoming resources l incomlng ￿$oUrCeS are Included in the slalement ol tinanoal actNttles when entitlement has passed to the charity: it is wobable that tha economic benefits associated y￿th th8 transaction wli I flow lo the charity arKf the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific pjlicles are arfjilied to particular categories ol incA)m8: income Irom dona￿nS or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entidement lo tha grft, receipt is wctsbje and its amount can be measured feliabty. legacy i￿)Me is recognised fhthen rece¥it is probable and entitlemenl is established. income trom donated goods is measured at the fair value of goods unless this Is imprac￿1 lo measur8 reliabty, in wh￿h case the value is derived Irom the cost lo the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilitses and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amovnts are induded for the ¢ontribJtion ot general volunteers. Income Irorn contracts for the suwy of seM¢es is recCqntS￿ wth the delwery of the nlracled servi￿. This is classified as unreStr￿ted lunds unl8SS there is a contraclual requirement for it lo be spent on a paitthlar purp)se and relurned if unspenL in which case il may be regarded as restricted. 18

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (c￿￿knue Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Accountlng pollcles (c Resources expended Expenditure is recogntsed on an accruafs basis as a ￿abl1 ity i8 incuffed. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fulty recovered. and is dasstli8d under headiros of the statement of ffinancial activitie5 to which it relates: expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fuTrJraising activities, events. non- charitable trading activities. and the sale of donabj gocwts. expenditure on Charitst￿e acltVttK8s includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertakirwJ activities Ihal further its charttable aims for the benefit of tts beneficiaries. including those support Costs and cosls relating lo the governance ol the charity apporknoned lo charktable actNities. other expenditure includ8s all experKliture that is neither related to raisir¥J funds for the charty nor part ol its expenditure on charitable activities. All Costs are allocated to eX￿ndItUre categories reflecting the use of the iesource. Dlrect costs attribulabl8 to a single actiwty are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned beM*een the aclivitses they contribute lo on a reasonable, justifiable arKI consÉst&nt basis. Tangible assets TanglbK8 assets are initially recorded al cosl. and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreclation ar￿ impairment losses. Any tangible assets carr￿d al revalu8d amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciatlon and subsequent accumulated impairment k)sses. An inu8ase in ihe fJarrJirKJ amount ol an ass8t as a result of a revaluation. is recognised In other recognlsed gains and losses, unless tl reverses a charge lor impairment that has prewously bean recognised as expenditijre Iwthin the statement of tinanoal activitTres. A decrease in the carryng amount of an asset as a result of revaluation. is recognised in olher recognised gains and losses, except to thich it ottsets any previous revaluation gain. in wh￿h casè the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activitiès. Depreclation Depreciation is calculated so as to wrlte off the cosl or valuation of an asset. less its residual value, over the useful econom￿ lile of that asset as lollows: Flxtures and fittings 10% straight line Impalrnenl ot1Sxed assels A review for indicators of impaiment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recover&4e amount being estimated where such indicalors exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount. the asset is impaired ac(xYdingly. Prv)r impaimients ar8 also reviewed lor possible reversal ai each reporbng date. 19

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Stalements fconthii Year ended 31 March 2025 11 Accounting pollcles (e¢yWn Impalrnient of flxed assets (a￿lInU60) For the purFM)ses ol impairment testirMJ. when it is not r*)ss1)18 to estimate the recoverable amount of an ifvjividual asset. an estimate ts made of the recoverable amount of the cash- generallng unit lo wh¢ch the asset belongs. The cash-generaling unil is the smallest idenlilhqble group of assets thal indudes the asset and generales cash inlk)ws that largely independent ol the cash Inflows from other assets or groups of assets. For impaffment testing of goothmll. the gcmithwll acquired in a ￿sinesS combination is, from the acqui&tion dale, allocated to each of the cash-generating units Ihal are expected to benefit from the synergies ol the combination. irrespective of whether other assgts or liabilibes of the ¢harfty are assigned io those units. Dellned contrlbutlon plans Contributions lo defin&J contrbution plans are recognised as an expense In thè period In which the related serwce is provided. Prepakj contrbulions are recognised as an asset to the exlanl Ihat the prepayment will18ad to a reducbon in future paymenls or a cash refund. When ¢ontributMins are nol exp8Ct8d to be settled wholly Mrylhin 12 months of the end ol the reporting date in wh￿h th8 employees render th8 rèlated seNice. the liability is measured on a discounted prèsent value basis. The unwndirKJ of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period In which it arises. Umlted by guarnnlee Accord Northem Irdand Catholic Marriage Carè Service is a company limited by guarantee and accordingly does not have share capital. Ev8ry member ol the company undertakès to contritmjte such an amount as may be requiied. not extseding £1, to the assets of thè company in the event of it beiTrJ w(Ksnd up whlte he or she is a membèr or within on& year after h8 or she ceases to be a member. DonatSons and legacles Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Donatlons DHSSPS Bishop5 Contrbuiion Diocesan Grant - Bemasl Diocesan Grant - Ballymena Diocesan Grant- Enniskillen Dlocesan Grant- NIRO 32,681 32.681 34.234 19.500 3.600 6,000 18,647 114.662 19,500 3,600 6.000 18.647 34.234 80,428 20

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Servlce Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements 11 Year ended 31 March 2025 Donatlons and legaeles {conllnwd) Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 Donatlons DHSSPS Bishops Contribution Diocesan Grant - Belfasl Diocesan Grant- Ballymena Diocesan Grant . Ennisknllen Diocesan Grant- NIRO 32.681 32,681 10.894 19,500 3,600 6.0￿) 19.5 92.175 10.894 19.500 3,600 6,0 19.SfyJ 10.894 81.281 There is also a contribution from Ihe Derry Diocese towards the costs incurred by the D8rry centre. This contr￿tiOn is paid direcily to the parish olfws and not to the main Accord Nl bank accounl. Charltable actlvftles Unreslitted Total Funds Unreslrlcted Total Funds FurKIs 2025 Funds 2024 Marriage Preparation Programmes. 136,697 136.697 250,969 250.969 Investmenl Income Unrestr￿le￿ Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Funds 2024 Bank interest receivthe 9.496 9.496 7.135 7.135 Olher Income Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds FuThJs 2025 Funds 2024 Counselling income Sundry income 22,535 14,012 16.547 16,547 4,000 14,012 36.547 36.547 20,547 20,547 21

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Llmiled by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Statements 11 Year ended 31 March 2025 Costs ot raislng donations and kgacles Restricted Total Funds FurKIs 2025 ReStr￿ed Total Funds Funds 2024 Administration wages and salaries Rent & Rates Prèmises mainte￿8 arKI deanlng Governance Costs 81,650 16,lJJ) 81,650 16.OtKI 85,936 14,667 353 2,110 85,936 14,667 1.970 1.969 99,619 2,110 99.620 103.066 103,066 10. Expendlture on charltsble aetlvities by fund type Unrestr￿ted Totsl Funds UnrestrKled Total Funds Fu 2025 Furyjs 2024 Marriage Preparation Programmes Counselling Costs Support costs 235.835 43.542 5.350 235,835 43.542 5.351 219.115 219,115 7.540 4.850 231,505 4.850 231.505 284.727 284.728 11. Expendllure on charitsble actlvltles by adivlty type Acl[vil￿S urKlertaken directly &Jtp)rt costs Total funds 2025 Total fund 2024 Marriage Preparation PrryJrammes Counselling Costs Governancè costs 235.835 43.542 235,835 43,542 5.351 279.377 5.351 284.728 231,505 Counselling activibes in current year have made a loss of £21,007 (2024 - Loss £14,793). 12. Net {expendfture)IlnMme Net (expendilure)fincome is stsled after chargin￿{￿editing). 219.115 5.351 2025 2024 Depr￿latIOn of tsngilje fix8d assets 2,745 2,372 13. Audltors remuneration 2025 2024 Fees paya￿￿9 for the audit ol the financial statements 4,860 4,851

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Umited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {conIlTh￿rfJ Year ended 31 March 2025 14. Slaff cosls The total staff costs and ernpfoyee ben81ils the repvting are analys8d as follows: 2025 2024 Wages and sai￿$ Employer contrbulions to pension F4ans 177.154 9.696 186.850 188,565 8.951 197,516 The average head count of employees during the >Bar was 17 (2024: 23}. The av9ragg numbgr of full-time equivalent ern￿OYeeS during the year is analysed as lollows". 2025 2024 Administrative staff Facilitators Counsellors 13 17 No employee ieceiv&l emph)yee b8neffts ol more than £60,000 during the year12024'. NII). 15. Trustee remunerallon and expenses No remuneration or other benefits from employment wlth the charity or a r81at8d entity ware received by the trustees. l& Tanglble flxed assets Flxlures and Ilttings Cost At 1 Apr 2024 Additions 24,472 3,335 27,807 At 31 Mar 2025 Depreclallon At 1 Apr 2024 Charge lor the year Al 31 Mar 2025 11.794 2.745 14.539 Carrylng amount Al 31 Mar 2025 13268 At 31 Mar 2024 12,678 23

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limlted by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (¢onJn(*dJ Year ended 31 March 2025 11 17. Deblors 2025 2024 Prepayments arKI accfued IrKome Other debtors 2,339 5,447 4,691 16,028 7.786 20,719 18. Credllors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2025 2024 Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxes 53,095 2.880 48.478 3,371 51,849 55,975 19. Deferred Income 2025 2024 Amounl deferred In year 40,590 35,800 20. Penslons and other post retlrement benefits Deflned contrlbutlon plans The amount recognis&J in ineome or expenditure as an expense In relation to defined contribution plans was £9,696 (2024: £8.951), 21. Analysls ol charftable fvnds Unrestrlcled funds At l 2024 Income Expenditure 31 Mar 2025 General funds 443,842 216,974 (284,7271 376,089 At Income Expe￿JitUre 31 Mar 2024 At 1 Aw 2023 General funds 385,802 289,545 (231,5051 443,842 24

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service Company Limited by Guardntee Notes to the Financial Ststements (c4>nllnyed) Year ended 31 March 2025 21. Analysls of charltsble lunds (eonom Reslrlcled funds At Income Expendilure 31 Mar 2025 At1￿2024 DHSSPS & DKwan Grants 282.151 80,428 199,620) 262,959 Al Income Expenditure 31 Mar 2024 At l 2023 DHSSPS & Diocesan Grants 303.936 81.281 (103.066) 282,151 DHSSPS & Dlocesan Granls restrfcted fund The company receives a revenue grant each year from the department ol health and this funding Is used to fund core stafl salaries other administraition expenses al the regional office. A monitoring report is submitted each quarter to the department. In addition to this there are Diocesan grants provided to Fxovide furKling for administration expenses. Centre restrfcled funds The company commenced operatK)ns on 1 sl May 2016 and al that rAiint all of the bank accounts and other assets and liabilities for the 9 regional branches were transferr8d Into the central Company account. The balar￿eS accumulated at the point ol transl8r w&r8 d88med to be restricted for use in the irKlivRlual Dicwde in whbch they were collected. 22. Analysls ol not assets between tunds Unrestricted Funds Restiicled Total Funds Funds 2025 Tangti Jle fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assels 13.268 428.399 {55.882} 385.785 13.268 681.662 155,8821 639.048 253,263 253.263 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors ￿sS than 1 >par Net assets 12.678 472,022 (51.8491 432.851 12.678 765,164 (51.8491 725.993 293,142 293.142 25

The wedding is a beautiful ceremony full of symbolism

and ritual.

It gathers a community and a family in

“ The Joy of Love ”.

ACCORD N. IRELAND CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE CLG NI Regional Office, 1st Floor, 68 Berry Street, Grotto Entrance, Belfast BT1 1FJ Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] Website: www.accordni.com