CHILDREN'S HEARTBEAT REPORT OF THE DIRKCTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Report of the Trustees (Incorpovating the direetors, report) for the yr ended 31st March 2023 The Irustecs ar¢ pleased to present their annual direotor$' rewyrt together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 March 2023 which are also prepared to meet the requirement5 for a diTeGtors' report tlnd accouT)ts for Companies Act purposes. The fjnancial statements comply with th¢ Charities Act (NI) 2008, the CompE4nics AGt 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Agsociation, and Accounting and Reporting by chlties.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their a¢¢ounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (eft"ective l January 2019). REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRA T]VE DETAILS The required referenc¢ and administrative details are laid out on page l - Company Information, The dittctors of the charitsble company (the charity) are its Iruslees for the purposes of charity law, The Direthrs serving during the year and since the year end arc also included on page l. ORIEcfivEs AND ACTIVITIES The purposes of the charity are for the public benefil of ¢hildren* young pcoplc, their families affectcd by hcart discase in Northern Ireland. This IB achieved through the provision of emotional and practical support, the advaiicement and promotion of awareness and the supporting medical resou¢S and research in this area. In shaping our objectives for the year and plftnning our a¢iivitie$, the ttwstees have ¢on$idered the Charity Commis5ion'8 guidance on public benefit. The strategies employed to achieve the charity's aims and objectives are: Flnanellll support for Cl4rk Cllnic at the ROYAI Belfast Hospilal for Sick Children.. Clark Clinir is Northern Ireland's only tE%ional unil for children thai need specialist treatment for lieart conditions. We are proud to have the unAqu¢ opportunity Io Work so closely with the Clark Clini¢ team lo help fund top quality m¢di¢al cquipincnt, pioneering reseRrcli initiftlives, sensory equipment ai)d play specialist support to enqure that ¢hildren and young peopl¢ wilh heart disease in Northern Ireland receive th¢ best Care and talMent possible in an age-appropriale environment. Provision of accommodation It the Royal Belfast HospltAI for Slck Chlldren: Children'5 Heartbeat Trust maintains accommodation dItlY above Clark Clinic for parents to stay in when their child is being treated. This allows parents to stay at the hospital in comfortable Surroundings, at what is often a traumatic time, and especially beneficial for those families Iravelling long distances to Belfast for their child's treatmenL FAmlly Support Groups and Servlces: We run eleven family support groups throughout the province to provid¢ local 8UPPOrt to fumilies whts they need it. Our groups are parent led and meet on a regular basis so families have the opportunity lo meet other families who are ¢xp¢ri¢n¢ing similar issues and problems in a local. friendly environment. We also deliver a range of support servioes from bereavement 5UPPOrt, family heart books, counselling, baby massage, and paediatric first aid training to peer support 8nd family days. These services also include tailored and financial support for families travelling away for their Child's surgery. A5 a Charity w¢ are also delighted to provide respite caravans for our heart families. Quality family time ¢8 be limited if a lot of time is spent in hospital for treatment of a child's heart d¢fe¢t. We s¢¢ how important it is to have time together as a family for parents. heart children And siblings. And the caravans are a key resource in helping families affected by CHD have a holiday and quality tirn¢ togh¢r. Page 2
CHILDREN'S HEARTBEAT REPORT OF THE DIREORs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 OBJEcfivKS AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) Youth Servlees: The charity nms two programmes for young people. Beatz for 12 - 16 year olds and Tribe for 17- 21 year olds. These programmes Consist of regular events and workshops and an annual residential weekend giving heart teenagers and young adults the opportunity to build friendships and share experiences. Research into heart dlsease In ehlldren: We aim to fund and support re$ear¢h into the causes and treatment ofheart dis¢as¥ in childrell, Thi5 research will improv¢ health and lifestyle outcomes for children and young people living with heart disease. CfimpAlgnlng: The ¢harity campaigns on policy issues that will improve outcomes and lifestyle for children and young people with heart disease. As a member of the All Island CHD Nctwork Board and co-chair of the Family Engagement Group* the charity ensures parents and families are at the ¢entre of all decisions regarding service provision. ACHJEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Nl's Flrst Children's Ambulanee In January 2023 we launched NI'S first dedicated children's ambulunGc, in partnership with NtSTAR & NtAS. The ambulance was designed bespoke for children making longer journeys. to ensure them greater comfort, less stress, a choice in how to travel and to reduc¢ anxiety. We a¢hi¢v¢d this by removing the clinical look of the internal features and giving it a relaxing 8pace theme; installing sensory equipment. wheelchair tracks. taking the monitor5 away from eye lines. and integrating a TV, tablet holder and Play$tation with gneS and DVDS for the journey. Children's Heartbeat Thist donated £IOO,000 tow&rds the build of the ambulance and also covered the insuran¢e cost and associated PIL Priority service will be given to those children and young people who need to travel for wdiac surgery or treatment, when not in u8e for this it will be available for any chlld needing specialist transfer. ABOVE: Interior of Nl's first Children's Ambulance. LEFT: Joanne Mecallister, CEO; Roberta & Reuben, Heart Familyi and Prof. Nichola Rooneyi CHT Chairperson, at the launch of the children's ambu18nce. Page 3
CHILDREN?S HEARTBEAT REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED) Family Support 145 families received V4 financial grant to support them when Iheir child travelled outside Nl for treath]enL surgery had an extended stay In Clark Clinio, or they suffered 4 lS1$ situalion, £74,649 was granted in total. 190 families received emotional support on the hogpitai ward. 100 families attended support group events across Nl. 180 families attending peer support Isocial events acros5 Nl. 27 families r¢¢¢ived bereavement support. 88 rn111c5 availed of a short break in Newcastle or C,a8tleroek, 123 couns¢lling sessions were attended by 32 families or young people. 55 Jake's Ladybird Bags {emergency hospital bag full of essentials) were provided in the last year. 110 parents Stayed in our parental a¢¢ommodation at the hospital. HeArt Walor, Sadie, and her sisters enjoy a caravan short break. Youth Support 10 young people SUprted throu8h pe¢r support events. 16 young people availed of Transition Support from paediatricg to adult services. I I Student Bursaries granted to youn8 people with CHD moving on to further or higher education. £5,000 grant¢d in totil. Research CHIP Data eollection complet¢d, scored and $¢nt to Dr Chri8 McCu$ker, University College Cork, for analysis. AIN Pregented future research priorities at the AIN Research Symp05ium at Queen's University Belfast. Supporting four QUBIUU PhD projects. Support includes assistance with planning, recNitment and funding applications. Advocxey Member of CHD All Island Network Board- representing voice of families to the AIN Board. Co-chair of Family Engagement Group - highlighting key issues for furthering family and patient support and engagemenL Promoting the importance of Organ Donation through social media and a member of th¢ PHA Organ Donation Sub Group. both supporting The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill. Co-chair of Northern Ireland Children's Health Coalition to advocate foT familie5 accessittg paediatric acute services in Northern treland. C8rdlac Servlceg Continued support for paediatric cardiac services in Nt through the purchase of medical equipment, sensory equipment and play resources. 5 high back chairs purChd for Clark Clinic to make families more comfortable. £11,530 of equipment for the clinical tearn to help reduce wait time5 for our young people: 5 ambulatory cardiac monitors. 15 Coaguchek machines, purchased for the Home Monitoring Programme. 20 Sats monitors puwhas¢d for hl families, Pledge to financially support the redevelopment of the RBHSC courtyard gardens from an HSBC granL Page 4
CHILDREN'S HEARTBEAT REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED) Intome GenerAtion Key CHT Events Mile A Day in May raised £31,580.10. Ro¢k Red raised £22,873.14. More Than A Gift Christmas Appeal generated over £22,000, with an additional £25,000 donation from Almac. Key Communlty Event8 Benone Caravan Park raised £12,160.31. Limavady's Cycling Farmers raised £9.893.31. Corporate Savills held a Bingo Loco night raising £20,014,97, Trust applications BGF Foundation granted us £5,000 to support the Chri8tmas Appeal Hardship Fund. Liberty IT awarded us £4.400 to support our Take Ten App. Danske Bank 8ranled us £4,467,14 to purchase two Ambulatory Cardiac Monitors. Savills pr¢s¢nl C.HT with £20,014 raised from their Loco Bingo Night. Covernance CRM system set up complele. StratC8ic review completed, 2023-2027 strategy developed, FINANCIAL REVIEW The charity's income for the 12 month period ending 3 llt MaKh 2023 was £439,679 decreaging from th¢ pr¢vious financial year (£586,554 in 2022, but increasing from £412,477 in 2021). Total resources expended of £609,707 increased when compared to the previous financial year, mainly due to the purchase of the arnbulan¢¢, with net expenditure for the period amounting to £170,02¥. Total net as&ets amounted 10 £779.677 as at 31 It March 2023 (2022: £949,705). The majority of fimding comes frorn voluntary donations. Reserves pollcy and %olng eoneern Children's Heartbeat Trusts, policy is to provide the charity with adequate financial stability and the means for it to meet its charitable objeetives for the foreseeable futhre. The charity aim5 to maintain reserves at levels equivalent to six months operationa] expenditure having rLgtLrds to itg manner of operation of likely funding streams. Current levels of reserves are higher than this and until the reserves are utilised, funds will be invested in a number of short to medium term deposits to oblain a return in the current economic climate. On making these investments, the ability to withdraw funds if required hv45 been considered. PLANS FOR FirruRE PERIODS With our new agreed 2023-2027 strategy, Children's Heartbeat Trust has exciting new plans and vision for our support services. research and income generation. In the next twelve months, we plan to., Page 5
CHILDREN'S HEARTBEAT REPORT OF THE DIREcfoRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 PLAIYS FOR FUTURE PE]UODS (CONTINUED) Family & Youth Services: Build the capacity of our Family & Youth Team by recruiting a thll time Youth & Family Engagemen¢ Officer Deliver a Mental Health & Wellbeing programme to our young people Co-design a new youih programme to increase our engagem¢nt with teenagers Develop a Youth Counsel Develop an evaluation framework for e1] service to build data and knowledge in order to make evidence based decislons regarding programme development and funders. Research and planning for a siblings support programme Continued exploration of a 'Home from Home, Ifamily support hub Develop new bereaveni¢nt support services Develop a Heart Podcast series Research & Pollcy: Recruit a Research and Policy Officer Disseminate CHIP findings Develop CHT research priorities Develop a Publi¢ Policy Campaign Play an active role in supporting Ihe A Trl research programme Build on our acad¢mic partnerships with activc support of r¢l¢vant UU and QUB research projects Pediatrie CArdi¢ Servieeg SUPPOrt: Conlinue to provide support on the ward ¢0 faniilie8 Develop a family fricndly space on Clark Clinic Completion of the redevelopment of the Children's Hospital Gardens Purchase equipment to support our heart children Adyoeaey ind Awarenesg: Seek funding for and recruit a Communicalions Manager Develop a Communications slralegy for the organisatioii Develop new projects for th¢ All Island Network Family Engagement Group Work with the Nl Children's Health Coalition to launch the 'Elidden Costs ofHaving a Child in Ho$pilal' research, wilh a rall for financial support for farnilies. Develop a catalogue of digital resources for heart families Seek and secure fundinB to begin website redevelopment and integration with CRM Income Generatlon: Review income generation and develop an income generation strategy Provide bust training I mentor opportunities to curr¢nt staff Generate new )d diverse income streams Develop digital ndraising opportunities Continued development of robust governance processes: Develop an investment policy Hold Board reviews Ensure compliance with Charity Commission Nl requirements Maintain registration with Fundraising Regulator following the Regulator's Code of Practice Provide training for volunteers and Board Members Page 6
CHILDREN'S HEARTBEAT REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANACEMENT {CONT]NUED) Governlng Document Children's Heartbeat is a company limited by guarantee gov¢rned by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 12 October 2013. Children's Heartbeat is a registered charity with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, Children's Heartbeat is a membership organisation wilh currently 10 members. each of whom agrees to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up. Appolntrnent of trustees 'Ihe Chairman and the Trustees recruit and select new Trustees a5 needed. New Trustees are reeruited ¢n the r¢l¢vance of their professional ski115, and their potential to be able to make a helpthl conlribulion to the governance of the charity, As part of the recruitment process they ari Tnade awarc of a Trustees, l¢gol obligations under charity and company law. the content of the Memoi?i)dum and Articles of Association, the commiltee and du¥isiun making pro¢es$es, the business plaT] and recent financial perfonnance of the chariiy. Once the potential new Trustee has agreed to be eonsid¢red for appointment to the Tole, the Trustees meet to review and lo vote on tlie candidates, suitability for appointment. If there is unanimous agreement, their names are then proposed for appointment, to the voting Members of the Company. STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS, RESPONSIBILITIES1 The directors are responsible for preparing the Report of the Directors and the financial statements in ac¢ordan¢e with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards (United Kingdom Generally Acceptable Accounting Pracli¢e). Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial yew. Under company law the directors musl noi approve the financial statements unl¢ss they arc s&tisfied that ihey give atrue at)d fair view of the state of aff&irs of the charity and of th¢ incomiiig I'esources aiid application of rcsources, include the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required lo.. select siiitable accounting policies and then apply them consistcntly. make judgement5 and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudenl. state whelher appliLablc UK Accountiiig standards have been followed. and prepare the financial statements on th¢ going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The directors al'e responsible for keeping adequate Accounting re¢oNI8 iliat are sufficient io show and explain the company's transactions and dis¢lose with reasonable accura¢y at any time the financial position of th¢ Charity and eiiable them lo ensu that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assels of the Gharity alld hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDrfoRS So far as the directots are aware, thei'e is no relevanl audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware, and ¢ach director has taken all th¢ slep8 thut thcy ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit inforniation and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: Prof N Rooney - Chairperso Date: . Page 7