Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 30 April 2023
Objectives and activities
Mission Statement
Our mission is to benefit the inhabitants of Dundrum by providing a welcoming community facility to include all ages, gender, race, political and religious beliefs thus challenging the social normalities of Northern Ireland. We will provide an environment where people can learn from each other through various forms of social education and support with the goal to improve the quality of life in the community.
OBJECTIVES
- Provide for the inhabitants of the Dundrum area a centre to promote social education by recreation and other leisure-time occupation with the interest to improve the conditions of life for Dundrum residents. 2. Foster cross- community development 3. Foster an atmosphere of support, relationship, resolution, reconciliation and encouragement among parents and their children in Dundrum. 4. Include Christian guidance and assist young people to develop their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual capacities that they may grow into full maturity as individuals and members of society. The religious opinion of each person is respected. 5. Maintain and manage a facility in Dundrum to host activities and education promoted by RIOT.
ACTIVITIES
RIOT activities take place in two buildings:-
RIOT Youth Centre - ongoing programmes included:-
After School Drop In - the youth come and spend time together after school, get assistance with homework, or to relax and play pool, football and ping pong. We are working with other local providers to offer an OCN youth work qualification to our young leaders. (YMCA And Clanmill Housing group). RIOT has slowly moved into the area of mentioning and developing, training for our young people. Although we still run all the usual programs, drop ins, youth hang outs, trips etc. Friday Night Drop In - 100+ young people, divided into two groups, enjoy healthy fun instead of using alcohol, or other substances. (We believe due to the lack of RIOT youth Centre in the community (not being able to open)- we have seen a rise in youth issues surrounding drugs. In connection with PCSP and our local PSNI officer we are working together to reach out as best we can in current circumstances. We Continue to be a huge boost to the local community. Giving our young folk a safe place to hang out and build friendships across the divide.
We have developed community links. More work was done on the grounds; A community garden has been started with support from locals, a Men's shed has been setup connecting with local Healthcare centres to provide a space for those Men particularity needing support. A children's play park has been opened and continues to serve the local community.
More importantly, we see clearly now the important role that RIOT plays as a community hub for many young, old and families.
RIOT House
RIOT House is recognised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as a Youth Hostel. Teams, groups and individuals returned in summer 2022 and use the accommodation. This has the potential to become a major source of income in the future.
RIOT JOY Café - Seniors Group
RIOT Joy Café runs weekly on a Thursday morning from 10am - 12noon out of RIOT House. We provide tea, coffee, snacks and simple activities like knitting, board games, adult colouring and a lot of chat. We have held 20 minute low intensity exercise sessions and offered simple hand and nail care.
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 30 April 2023
Some Thursday's we have also served hot lunches to our members. We make sure to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, Easter and Christmas. We have also used the RIOT minibus to go on outings to shopping centres and the cinema. Regular volunteers oversee the kitchen duties and interact with our members. We average around 20 attendees each Thursday.
Achievements and performance
Activities have been rebuilt following the Covid 19 pandemic.
In September, the Manager was nominated for an award by a local Councillor and received a lovely crystal bowl, with an inscription for Outstanding Community Service.
Financial review
The Charity's main source of funding remains from voluntary donations and community grants. A small amount is gained from income via RIOT House. The Trustees oversee the finances of RIOT and are committed to ensuring sufficient funds are available to support the current organisational activities with an appropriate level of funds maintained for reserves.
Plans for future periods
Develop ongoing projects, to keep providing a service to the community.
We are connecting with the local Village Association to develop connections and serve more people locally.
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
The trustees' annual report was approved on 29 January 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
Mrs G Patterson Mrs G Patterson Trustee Charity Secretary