TEAMJVC COMMUNITY TRUST
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 5th April 2024
The Board of Trustees submits its report together with the financial statements for the year ended 5th April 2024.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
The Organisation is an unincorporated charity, registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, number NIC102852. The names of the present Trustees, and any past Trustees who served during the year, are given on page 4, together with the names of the charity’s external advisors.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the Organisation. Trustees have the power at any time and from time to time to appoint any person to be a Trustee and the total number of Trustees may not be less than three and cannot be more than six. Any Trustee appointed may hold office for life (subject to meeting the requirements of Article 33 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008). The Board elects one of its number to act as Chairperson for the term at their first meeting following the Chairperson’s appointment.
The Board meets at least once each year. Trustees review strategy and operational performance. New Trustees meet with the other members of the Trustee Board who provide them with all the information they need on the work of the Organisation which is further enhanced at the meetings of the Board thereafter. The Board delegates the exercise of certain tasks in connection with the management and administration of the Organisation. This is controlled by requiring regular reporting back to the Board so that all decisions can be ratified in due course.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities and Corporate Governance
The organisation is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
The Trustees are responsible for their annual report and for the preparation of financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the organisation and of the net movement in funds of the organisation for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the organisation will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the organisation keeps proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the organisation and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with current legislation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and to provide reasonable assurance that:
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The organisation is operating efficiently and effectively;
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All assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use or disposition and are properly applied;
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Proper records are maintained and financial information used within the organisation, or for publication, is reliable; and
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The organisation complies with relevant laws and regulations.
Statement of disclosure to our independent examiners
In so far as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving our Trustees’ annual report:
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there is no relevant information, being information needed by the independent examiner in connection with preparing their report, of which the charity’s independent examiner is unaware; and
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the Trustees, having made enquiries of fellow trustees and the charity’s independent examiner that they ought to have individually taken, have each taken all steps that he/she is obliged to take as a Trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant accounting information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
OBJECTS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES OF THE CHARITY
In accordance with the Constitution document, the objects for which the Charity is established are:
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THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH - The advancement of the Christian Faith in the world for the benefit of the public through, pastoral care, the holding of prayer meetings, lectures, public celebrations of religious festivals, producing and/or distributing literature and media.
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RELIEF OF POVERTY - The prevention or relief of poverty, or financial hardship, anywhere in the world by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, and/or healthcare projects, through the provision of food-banks, goods and services, and any necessary support designed to enable individuals, where possible, to generate a sustainable income and become self-sufficient.
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SOCIAL INCLUSION - Promote peace and reconciliation and assist in the advancement of bridge building between all communities. Promoting knowledge and mutual understanding between differing groups and working towards the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race, nationality, gender, political affiliation, disability, age, sexuality, religion or marital status at home and further afield.
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Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House, 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE
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COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING - To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially, economically, physically and mentally disadvantaged communities of Carrickfergus/Newtownabbey, and further afield, in such a way that they are better able to identify, meet their own needs, and participate more fully in their society.
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ADVICE AND COUNSELLING - The relief of the physical and mental sickness of persons in need by reason of addiction, hardship, or circumstance by the provision of counselling, support, advice and sign-posting.
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RECONCILIATION AND MEDIATION - To provide, for the public benefit, assistance through reconciliation for individuals whose relationships, including, but not limited to, marital, are breaking down, and where relationships have already broken down, to advise and help in the settlement of differences or potential differences.
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RECREATION -To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare through recreation or other leisure time occupations of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life.
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YOUTH - To advance in life and help young people through: The provision of recreational and leisure time facilities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve their conditions of life. Providing support and activities at home and further afield which develop life skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE DUTY TO HAVE REGARD TO THE CHARITY COMMISSION FOR NORTHERN IRELAND’S GUIDANCE ON PUBLIC BENEFIT
In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the Charity’s purpose and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries. No harm and no private benefit flowed from the purposes of the charity.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Advancement of Religion
This year saw the establishment of an Eldership team to assist in caring for its partners. We have met regularly throughout 2023/24 which included teaching, team participation encouragement, fellowship, prayer, emotional and practical support wherever needed.
Relief of poverty Carrickfergus Foodbank
OVERVIEW
Throughout the year ending 5[th] April 2024 the foodbank continued to provide its service of supplying emergency food to both families and individuals referred to the foodbank. In conjunction with this the foodbank also gave food support to various organisations working with the most vulnerable in our communities. The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has continued to have a significant impact on the foodbank service with a continual demand for its service.
CARRICKFERGUS FOODBANK REFERRAL ORGANISATIONS
The foodbank has 72 referral agencies ranging from local government, faith based, community, charity, mental health, disability, policing probation, educational.
VOLUNTEERS
There are 22 Regular volunteers. Extra volunteers also helped at a 1-day Tesco collection in June and a 3-day food collection in November/December.
FOOD DONATED AND DISTRIBUTED: (comparative figures in brackets) Total Food Donated - 32.1363 tonnes (38.94547 tonnes) Total Food Distributed - 31.0983 tonnes (32.40362 tonnes)
Distribution through the following areas:
| Voucher/code referral | Voucher/code referral | Voucher/code referral | Voucher/code referral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Total No Fed | No of Adults | No of Children |
| 622(814) | 2,696(2,034) | 1,454(1,387) | 1,242(647) |
279 Christmas hampers supplied to families in need.
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20-25 families supported weekly through Central Primary Breakfast Club
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300 children supported daily through Sunnylands Primary Breakfast Club.
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250 children per week supported daily through Carrick Academy Breakfast Club.
80-90 Young people supported through YMCA Health hub various projects.
65 CAP Clients supported regularly.
120 Families in Greenisland community supported via CAP.
250 Flourish NI clients supported with some food and toiletry donations
Other organisations supported: 20 (21)
| Foodbanks | Foodbanks | Schools | Schools | Other organisations | Other organisations | Churches | Churches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kg | kg | kg | kg | ||||
| Antrim | 1067.93 | Acorn Integrated PS | 144.10 | BabyBank | 96.50 | Carrickfergus Elim | 57.5 |
| Ballymena | 151.40 | BallycarryPS | 14.90 | Carrick Manor | 10.10 | ||
| Ballymoney | 302.70 | Carrick Academy | 206.10 | CAP | 1318.40 | ||
| Enniskillen | 19.70 | Carrick Central PS | 158.70 | Flourish NI | 1264.90 | ||
| SW Belfast | 855.50 | Fairview Ballyclare | 32.20 | Horizon | 54.70 | ||
| Rutledge College | 16.40 | Prison Fellowship | 357.30 | ||||
| Sunnylands PS | 91.91 | Carrick YMCA | 330.00 |
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Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House, 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE
Food Donations: (comparative figures in brackets)
| Supermarkets / shops | Supermarkets / shops | Education | Education | Other corporate / community / individual / charity |
Other corporate / community / individual / charity |
Churches | Churches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kg | kg | kg | kg | ||||
| Tesco Carrickfergus | 17933.95 | Greenisland PS | 292.81 | Private individuals | 707.20 | Joymount Presbyterian | 1006.70 |
| Hendersons | 6575.14 | Woodburn PS | 212.00 | USPCA | 237.10 | Mount St Nicholas | 321.30 |
| Sainsbury’s Carrickfergus | 3832.40 | Oakfield PS | 190.50 | Connswater housing | 114.40 | Carrick Vineyard | 281.80 |
| Eurospar Victoria | 209.80 | Acorn Integrated PS | 165.60 | Slimmingworld | 80.20 | St Nicholas’ CoI | 270.00 |
| Eurospar Milestone | 143.60 | Rutledge College | 91.40 | Carrick Rangers FC | 59.00 | St Colman’s CoI | 244.00 |
| Eurospar Bridewell | 91.90 | Carrickfergus Central PS | 73.80 | Cadburys | 55.03 | HolyTrinityCoI | 155.00 |
| Eurospar Fortfield | 28.10 | Carrickfergus Model PS | 29.40 | One Irish Gate | 51.70 | Christ Church | 140.00 |
| 4th Carrick Scouts | 36.10 | Woodburn Presbyterian | 108.70 | ||||
| Samaritans Purse | 30.70 | Carrick CommunityChurch | 108.60 | ||||
| North St First Presbyterian | 68.30 | ||||||
| Carrick Elim | 59.40 | ||||||
| Loughmourne Presbyterian | 34.70 | ||||||
| St John’s Ballycarry | 19.10 |
MONETARY DONATIONS RECEIVED
Total Income received: £99,456
Monetary donations were received through the following areas :
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Direct donations to the foodbank account from businesses & members of public, schools & churches
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Online giving platforms - Golden Giving, Peoples Fundraising and Benevity.
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Trussell Trust payments ref Tesco PCP and collections Top-up and Trussell Trust Grants.
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Grants and large donations (£500 and over):
| Businesses / online giving platforms |
Businesses / online giving platforms |
Grants / Trussell Trust Tesco TopUp |
Grants / Trussell Trust Tesco TopUp |
Churches / Schools | Churches / Schools | Cash donations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Don McQueen Interior | 500.00 | Trussell Tesco TopUp | 4654.44 | St Nicholas’ CoI | 1057.50 | 2000.00 |
| C&S Computer | 570.00 | Trussell Tesco TopUp | 1521.37 | Carrickfergus Model PS | 646.00 | 1495.00 |
| Trussell Trust Grant | 30000.00 | 1100.00 | ||||
| Lotteries Main Grant | 9206.00 | 2000.00 | ||||
| Lotteries Main Grant | 9206.00 | 2000.00 | ||||
| EP Ballylumford | 5000.00 | 2020.00 | ||||
| 4000.00 | ||||||
| 500.00 | ||||||
| 1000.00 | ||||||
| 2400.00 | ||||||
| 2744.00 | ||||||
| 2000.00 | ||||||
| 1000.00 | ||||||
| 2000.00 | ||||||
| 510.00 |
EXPENDITURE BY THE FOODBANK
Total Expenditure: £60,571
The main areas of expenditure were wages, purchasing specified items referencethe various grants received (a detailed list can be provided on request). Other purchases were washing powders and fabric conditioners as well as Gift cards for both Tesco and Iceland which were given to clients to help purchase fresh food items.
PRESENT AND FUTURE PLANS
With the work already started on the new storage and client facing area we hope to be relocating to this space in April 2024/April 2025.
Team JVC Hub
| Team JVC Hub | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Volunteers withinproject | 17 | 18 |
| Number of voluntary groups supported | 14 | 17 |
| Number of communityrelationprojects supported | 2 | 3 |
| Number ofpeople usingcommunityfacilities | 75 | 77 |
| Number of communitysafetyinitiatives implemented | 2 | 1 |
| Number of health education/awareness initiatives implemented | 5 | - |
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Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House, 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE
Outings / Events Organised
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Attended Antrim Castle Gardens for the Garden Show which was funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
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Summer trip to Newcastle – 22 adults and 14 children attended
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Coronation street party – 100 children’s packs was distributed
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Valentines Tea Party – 11 women attended
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Celebration Event Corrs Corner with visit from Mayor – 11 ladies attended
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Monkstown Garden Village to learn about food sustainability and growing our own veg at home
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Attended Rathcoole Crew Christmas Dinner
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Supported ROC Health and Wellbeing Fair by providing information on the services we provide
Crafts
The craft group gathered together weekly to provide the following for specified needs.
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Worry monsters made for Women’s Aid
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Trauma teddies made for the fire service and PSNI
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Baby hats made for the neo natal units in the maternity hospitals
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Easter chicks made for the local councillor and local church charity shop
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Wreath making for gifts to family members and own homes – 10 people attended
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Embroidery –provided by Lets Craft NI – 10 people attended
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Applique classes – provided by Lets Craft NI
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Decoupage sessions - provided by Lets Craft NI
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Handmade and provided 165 mental health packs in draw string bags for local primary school in partnership with Rathcoole Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership who provided books
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Further crafts throughout the year were completed such as
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Mother’s Day Frames
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Pebble art
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Painting
Courses provided / attended
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Essential Skills English and Maths
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Accredited course on phones and tablets
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12-week OCN accredited course in vocational skills
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6-week course on “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” to raise awareness and identify steps to become more proactive in managing our own wellness
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10-week course in the Women’s Tec which the ladies learnt how to use power tools, DIY skills, made planters, crafts and completed healthy eating sessions
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Make up master class and lunch for all who completed the OCN courses
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2 British Sign Language 6-week courses – 15 people received certificates
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Home safety session from PCSP – gave out personal alarms and items to help keeping warm at home
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Drug awareness course ran by Heads Up – 7 people attended
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Breast, cervical and bowel cancer awareness sessions
Winter Wonderland Craft Fair 2023
Our Craft Fair had around 800 people attend with 40 craft tables filled. This is always a great community event where we offer prayer and help for those in need. Santa gave out sweets to the children and a play area for the children was a great success. All proceeds from the day were collected from the sale of tables and coffee shop items and donated to India which amounted to £1824.61.
Russian Outreach 2023
We have continued sending support at this difficult time due to the ongoing war. The safe route we discovered last year remains open and useful to send salaries and provide financial support for staff at the “Light of Hope”. The Light of Hope team continues to run the back to school and celebrating families’ program. The main work remains the same, serving Immigrants arriving at Cherepovets Russia and assisting them by providing the “involved citizens” program in their communities.
Community Citizenship Development
Outreach development classes include learning to read and write in the Russian language. The Youth Camp program is a yearly event supported by iCare Ministries and Teamjvc Community Trust, local businesses and community remain supportive financially and on a voluntary basis.
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Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House, 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE
India Outreach
JVC partners provided £30,000 to build a centre for the ladies rescued from the red-light districts where they can receive medical care, employment retraining and a position and new living quarters. We also provided finances for the following.
£2200 for installation of four water wells
£3850 for the release and care of seven ladies who had been trafficked into prostitution.
- £800 for repairs to our Children’s home
£300 Mercy ministry
£1200 conference for 300 Pastors
- £1000 conference 400 women
£1200 to supply mosquito nets
£3000 toward cataract surgery
Fund raising continues for India projects and our aim is provide in 2025:
A Church building for the Dalith Colony at Yajali A kitchen for an old people’s home at Tripurantakam Repairs to old people’s home at Tippalakatta
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND RESULTS FOR THE YEAR
The Statement of Financial Activities on page 8 is designed to reflect all incoming resources receivable and expenditure incurred during the year irrespective of when income is actually received and payments made. Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £497,743 (2023: £439,194). Total resources expended of £385,972 (2023: £253,185) resulted in a net surplus of resources for the year of £111,771 (2023: surplus of £186,009). There were balances on restricted funds at the year-end of £205,993 (2023: £170,899). The balance on unrestricted funds at the year-end was £1,459,189 (2023: £1,382,512) which includes £533,620 funds designated in the asset holding fund (2023: £545,844) and £1,342 funds designated in the JVC Hub Synergy (designated) fund (2023: £1,342). Unrestricted funds are free and represent the reserves available to the Trustees to help fulfil current and future plans. Breakdowns of the amounts recorded for incoming resources and resources expended are given in notes 3 and 4 to the accounts.
OUR SUPPORTERS
TeamJVC Community Trust acknowledges that without the strong ongoing commitment and support of many organisations without which it would not be possible to work effectively towards our vision. We want to thank all who fund the charity.
We particularly want to thank the many volunteers who freely give their time to help the organisation.
RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees believe that the Organisation should hold financial reserves because:
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It has no endowment funding and is currently dependent for income upon donations and income from investments from year to year which are subject to review;
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It requires protection against and the ability to continue operating despite unforeseen setbacks; and
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It requires the ability to be able to take advantage of change and opportunities to further its objectives.
The Trustees believe that the level of unrestricted reserves should be the equivalent of between 6 and preferably 12 months’ operating costs calculated and reviewed annually. Reserves should be built up to the desired level in stages consistent with the charity’s overall financial position and its need to maintain and develop its charitable activities.
The level of total unrestricted reserves (excluding designated reserves) stands at £924,228. With operating costs (all funds) currently amounting to approximately £385,000 per year, this would mean a target reserve balance of between £192,500 and £385,000. The Board of Trustees acknowledge that the level of reserves held exceeds the requirements of the reserve policy but will be designating surplus funds in the future to a specific building project (see under “future developments” below).
Details of the Organisation’s funds are shown in Note 11. An analysis of the Organisation’s net assets between the funds is given in Note 13. The Trustees consider that sufficient resources are held in an appropriate form to enable each fund to be applied in accordance with any restriction imposed.
EMPLOYEES
The Organisation aims to be an employer for which employees enjoy working and where they feel supported and developed. Employees are kept fully informed about its strategy and objectives, as well as day to day news and events. Regular information about the organisation is available through meetings and e-mails. All employees are encouraged to give their views and suggestions on performance and strategy. The Organisation supports equal opportunity.
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Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House, 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Trustees have started the work for the new foodbank at the Charity’s site at Woodburn Road in Carrickfergus. This work should be completed by September 2024 at an estimated cost of £100,000 Any spend will be met out of foodbank restricted reserves. We have agreed the site with solicitors for a property in Carrickfergus which we intend to build suitable accommodation for those in crisis, such as trafficking, abuse. We our awaiting the documents for signatures.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
The following held office during the year:
Mr Lewis Smyth, Mrs Gwen Smyth, Mr Henry McCrory, Mr John Moore and Mr Alan Stewart
Principal Bankers: Santander Ulster Bank Bootle 2 Farmley Road Merseyside Glengormley L30 4GB BT36 7QU
Independent Examiners:
Diamond & Skillen Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE
Diamond & Skillen were appointed as the charity’s independent examiners during the year.
These financial statements and this report have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland (FRS102) (effective from 1st January 2015) and in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 31st July 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
———————————— Lewis Smyth - Trustee 18th August 2024
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Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House, 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE