2025-04-05-annual-report

TEAMJVC COMMUNITY TRUST

The Board of Trustees submits its report together with the financial statements for the year ended 5th April 2025.

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 numbers 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 at the proper time.

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 situation 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:

• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.

• Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.

• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material and

• departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• 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:

• The organisation is operating efficiently and effectively.

• All assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use or disposition and are properly applied.

• Proper records are maintained and financial information used within the organisation, or for publication, is reliable; and

• 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:

• 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

• 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:

• 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.

• 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 foodbanks, goods and services, and any necessary support designed to enable individuals, where possible, to generate a sustainable income and become self-sufficient.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 signposting.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 considered 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.

Carrickfergus Foodbank Summary Report

Overview

One of the most significant milestones this year was the relocation of our storage and client-facing premises. Despite construction delays, we successfully moved into the new storage facility in October 2024 and opened the client-facing area in January 2025.

The new premises provide:

• Expanded storage with vehicle access, improving logistics and stock management.

• A more visible and welcoming client space, fostering dignity and inclusion.

• Facilities suitable for training sessions and workshops, benefitting clients, volunteers, and the wider community.

Food Provision

Between 6th April 2024 and 5th April 2025:

• 32,535.62 kg of food was donated by members of the public, supermarkets, churches, schools, and corporate partners.

• 32,240.95 kg of food was distributed through referrals, and as additional food support to 7 foodbanks, 5 schools, 8 faith-based organisations, and 11 other organisations.

Supermarkets/shops	Education	Corporate/Community Individual/Charity	Churches
Eurospar Bridewell Eurospar Fortfield Eurospar Jordanstown Eurospar Milestone Eurospar Victoria Home Bargains Hendersons Sainsburys Tesco Carrick	Acorn Integ PS Central PS Carrickfergus Model PS Carrickfergus Grammar Greenisland PS Oakfield PS Woodburn PS	Anonymous Private Donations Ballynure Scouts Cadburys Carrickfergus Rangers FC Jolly Tots Seapark AC & Carrick Runners Samaritans Purse Spirit Aerosystems Slimming world USPCA Yelo	Carrick Community Carrick Elim Carrick Vineyard Christ Church Downshire Presby Holy Trinity COI Joymount Presby Loughmourne Presby Mount St Nicholas Parish North St First Presby St Colmans COI St Nicholas COI Woodburn Presby

32240.95kg of food was distributed through referrals and additional food support to 7 foodbanks, 5 schools, 8 faith-based organisations and 11 other organisation, see table below: -

Foodbanks	Schools	Other organisations	Churches
Antrim Foodbank Ballymoney Dungannon Larne Lisburn North Belfast South Belfast	Acorn Int. Primary Carrick Academy Carrick Central Primary Carrick Grammer Sunnylands Primary	Access Employment Carrickfergus BabyBank Carrick Connect Carrick Family Intervention Team Carrickfergus Manor Chill Carrickfergus Christians Against Poverty Flourish NI Horizon Surestart Living Hope Babybank Carrickfergus YMCA	Carrickfergus Elim Christ Church Carrick Holy Trinity Hope Ministries Prison Fellowship NI Teen Challenge NI Woodland Presbyterian Y Connect

This ensured that individuals and families in crisis across Carrickfergus continued to receive essential support.

Monetary Donations & Grants

We would like to thank the many members of the public, churches, corporate partners, and funding bodies who have financially supported and continue to support the work of the Foodbank. This has been made possible through:

• Online giving platforms such as Golden Giving and People’s Fundraising

• Private and cash donations

• Employee and corporate giving, including support from: Spirit AeroSystems and their employees Benevity

• EP Kilroot & EP Ballylumford Charity Committee

We also gratefully acknowledge the generous grant funding received from:

• The National Lottery Community Fund ( People and Communities Grant )

• Trussell Trust ( Strategic Facilities Grant )

• Trussell Trust/Tesco ( PCP Grants )

• Tesco (via Groundwork) ( Stronger Starts Grant )

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• The Project Coordinator strengthened links with its 73 referral agencies. The referral agencies range from statutory, community, charity and faith based.

• Raised awareness of the service at local events, and engaging with local churches.

• Partnerships with supermarkets remained strong, with volunteers assisting in annual food drives.

• Social media presence expanded, with Facebook followers growing to 2,200, helping to highlight local collections, fundraisers, and community initiatives.

• Strong working relationships were maintained with schools, churches, businesses, and charities, amplifying our reach and impact.

Volunteer Coordination, Training and Development

• Five new volunteers joined the team, supporting stores, client services, and administration.

• Volunteers received online training and attended our first on-site training session, An Introduction to Benefits , equipping them to better support clients.

• Regular volunteer feedback informed improvements in stock management and client services.

Involving People in Developing and Delivering Our Work

Service User Involvement

• Feedback was gathered informally and through forms, helping shape a more welcoming client environment.

• Clients were signposted to additional support such as financial advice, mental health resources, and skills workshops.

Volunteer Engagement

• Volunteers contributed to decision-making, particularly around stock management and service improvements.

• Training opportunities-built confidence and strengthened the team.

Community Partnerships

• Close collaboration with referral partners (social services, housing, health professionals, local charities).

• Schools and churches supported initiatives such as breakfast clubs.

• The new premises have opened opportunities to host workshops and community events.

Building on People’s Strengths

• Skill Development – Volunteers were encouraged to use and grow their skills, taking on training, admin, and mentoring responsibilities.

• Recognition and Appreciation – Contributions were regularly acknowledged on social media, celebrating individual and organisational support.

• Empowering Service Users – Client-facing volunteers provided a listening ear and encouragement, signposting to employment, housing, and wellbeing resources.

Partnerships and Connections

• Collaborations with local charities, churches, schools, and community groups supported breakfast clubs and food drives.

• Corporate donors and local businesses provided financial and product donations.

• Referral agencies were kept engaged through surveys and regular contact.

• Supermarket partners facilitated donation bins, drives, and regular deliveries.

Beneficiaries and Volunteers

• 850 Adults and 638 children supported through voucher referrals

• 230 Christmas hampers supplied to families in need

• 20-25 families supported weekly through Central Primary Breakfast Club

• 300 children supported daily through Sunnylands Primary breakfast club

• 250 children per week supported daily through Carrick Academy breakfast club

• 80-90 Young people supported through YMCA Health hub various projects.

• 67 CAP Clients supported regularly

• 125 Families in Greenisland community supported via CAP.

• 275 Flourish NI clients supported with some food and toiletry donations

• 31 organisations availed of extra food support

Impact – What Difference Are We Making?

Carrickfergus Foodbank not only provides emergency food but also restores dignity, hope, and empowerment.

• Client Impact – One client shared:

• “Carrickfergus Foodbank is a real warm, welcoming space where I have felt listened to and encouraged. I don’t feel judged or embarrassed. The volunteers took time to suggest other places for extra help. Without them, I couldn’t manage.”

• Referral Agency Impact – The Cithrah Foundation commented:

• “Foodbank support is invaluable for our clients experiencing domestic abuse. Financial abuse leaves families wondering where their next meal comes from. The Foodbank provides essentials with no judgement, helping them take steps towards recovery.”

• Volunteer Impact – A volunteer reflected:

• “Foodbank is more than supplying food. It’s a safe place to be heard and helped. Having once been in need myself, I now support others at their point of need. It helps you move on.”

Learning from the Year

Successes

• Successful relocation with enhanced facilities.

• Growth in partnerships, social media engagement, and volunteer involvement.

• Food redistribution expanded to meet increased demand.

Challenges

• Construction delays highlighted the need for flexibility in project planning.

• Rising demand underscored the importance of sustainable funding and integrated support services.

• Volunteer availability emphasised the importance of retention and ongoing development.

• Team JVC Hub Report - Period: April 2024 – April 2025

Key Achievements

• 55 people accessed and used our community facilities.

• 20 individuals volunteered in community development activities.

• 15 community and voluntary groups were supported.

• 2 community relations projects were delivered.

• 2 community safety initiatives were implemented.

• 4 health education and awareness initiatives were provided.

Activities Delivered

Outings & Community Events

• Flower making workshops.

• Chair exercise classes.

• Jewellery making classes.

• Partnership work with RNRP during Health Awareness Week.

• Provision of a Wellness Coordinator during Health Week.

• Volunteering at the NWG Christmas event.

• Attendance at the Rathcoole Crew Christmas event.

• Organised Christmas outing to Theatre at the Mill.

• Participation in Housing Community Network Strategic Planning Day.

• ANBC session on home safety, carbon monoxide awareness, energy efficiency and available grants.

• Attendance at PCSP domestic violence strategy event (Newtownabbey).

• Bus trip to Bangor.

• Trip to local nursery to support children’s treasure hunt.

• Kindness bag delivery to V36 and Hazelbank.

• Christmas Party.

• Visit to Monkstown Village Garden Centre (learning about growing fruit and vegetables).

Crafts & Creative Projects

• Twiddle muffs made for dementia patients.

• Christmas wreath-making workshops.

• Winter Warmer project in partnership with ANBC.

• Christmas crafts and bow making.

• Kindness bags project.

Training & Courses Provided/Attended

• Multiply Programme – everyday maths, online shopping, banking, budgeting.

• Physical health awareness sessions.

• Mental health awareness sessions.

• Emotional health awareness sessions.

• Trauma awareness training.

• British Sign Language (BSL) classes.

• PSNI “Keeping Safe at Home” session – tackling scams, cold callers, and addressing the rise in attacks on women and girls.

• Coordinator achieved Level 3 OCN in Community Development.

Financial Overview

• Total Income: £23,393.91

• Total Expenditure: £21,853.96

Impact

The activities delivered by Team JVC Hub over the past year have made a meaningful difference in the local community:

• Health & Wellbeing – Through exercise classes, awareness sessions, and health-focused events, participants reported feeling more informed, confident, and supported in improving their physical and mental health.

• Reducing Isolation – Outings, social events, and craft sessions created safe, welcoming spaces where people could connect, build friendships, and strengthen community ties.

• Empowerment & Skills – Training opportunities such as the Multiply Programme, trauma awareness, and BSL classes helped individuals gain new skills, improve confidence, and enhance employability.

• Community Support – Projects like Kindness Bags, Winter Warmers, and volunteering at local events helped foster a culture of giving and mutual support, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older people, families, and those living with dementia.

• Volunteer Development – With 20 people actively volunteering, the hub continues to build capacity within the community, giving individuals the chance to contribute, grow, and take pride in their role.

Together, these outcomes demonstrate how Team JVC Hub has strengthened community wellbeing, encouraged learning, and created a supportive environment where people can thrive.

Winter Wonderland Craft Fair

In November we hosted our annual Winter Wonderland Craft Fair, which attracted approximately 1000 plus attendees and featured 40 craft stalls, many supported by local businesses and community groups. The event provided an opportunity for connection and inclusion, with activities for children, including a play area and a visit from Santa. The fair also created a platform for local craft makers and small businesses to showcase their work, helping to strengthen local enterprise. All proceeds from the fair, totalling £2895.00 was donated to support charitable work in India.

Russian Outreach

We continued our commitment to supporting communities in Russia during the ongoing conflict. Using a safe and reliable route established in 2022, we provided financial assistance to staff at Light of Hope ,

ensuring the continuation of vital programmes such as the Back-to-School initiative and Celebrating Families programme. The organisation continues to support immigrants arriving in Cherepovets, helping them integrate into society through its Involved Citizens programme.

Community Citizenship Development

We delivered outreach and development activities designed to promote learning and inclusion. These included classes in Russian language and literacy and ongoing support for the annual Youth Camp programme, which is facilitated in partnership with iCare Ministries, TeamJVC Community Trust, and local businesses. Their continued financial and voluntary contributions enabled young people to develop life skills and build positive community connections.

Impact Statement

Through these initiatives, we have strengthened community cohesion locally and internationally. Locally, the craft fair and community workshops not only brought people together across all ages and backgrounds but also created opportunities for local businesses and craft makers to share their skills and contribute to community development. This has helped reduce social isolation, promote wellbeing, and support the local economy.

Internationally, our continued partnership with Light of Hope has ensured that vulnerable families and immigrants in Russia continue to receive essential educational and social support despite ongoing challenges. In total, these projects have directly benefited hundreds of individuals, while fostering stronger community spirit, solidarity, and resilience.

India Outreach

The project contribution £30000 given last year to facilitate the women’s centre is complete and verified. During the year, JVC partners contributed a further £10,000 promised funds for 2024-2025 and additional needs.

• A kitchen for the old people’s home at Tripurantakam under direction Pastor Douglas completed.

• Repairs to the old people’s home at Tippalakatta (flood damage paint and render toilet area)

• Ministry gift for miscellaneous use by EARE

• Release of ladies from red light area

Fundraising continues to support India projects in 2025.

Trustees’ Summary of Activities

During the reporting year, the charity continued to deliver its core purpose of supporting and strengthening the local community through a wide range of programmes, events, and initiatives. Key activities included:

• Providing access to community facilities for 55 individuals and supporting 15 community/voluntary groups.

• Engaging 20 volunteers in community development activities, helping to build skills, capacity, and confidence.

• Delivering 2 community relations projects and 2 community safety initiatives, promoting cohesion and wellbeing.

• Running 4 health education and awareness initiatives, improving knowledge and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

• Organising social outings and community events, such as seasonal celebrations, trips, and workshops, to reduce isolation and strengthen community connections.

• Offering a variety of craft, skills, and wellbeing projects (including chair exercise, jewellery making, wreath making, and kindness bags), benefitting individuals and groups across the community.

• Delivering and participating in accredited and informal training programmes, covering areas such as financial literacy, trauma awareness, British Sign Language, and community safety.

Financial Review and Results for the Year

The Statement of Financial Activities reflects all incoming resources receivable and expenditure incurred during the year, irrespective of when income is received or payments made.

Our Supporters

TeamJVC Community Trust acknowledges the strong ongoing commitment of our supporters. Without their contributions, the charity could not operate effectively.

We extend particular thanks to the many volunteers who freely give their time to help the organisation achieve its objectives.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees believe it is prudent to hold financial reserves because:

• The charity has no endowment funding and depends on donations and investment income.

• Reserves protect the charity against unforeseen setbacks.

• Reserves enable the charity to take advantage of opportunities to further its objectives.

• The Trustees aim to hold unrestricted reserves equivalent to 12 months’ operating costs, reviewed annually. With operating costs of approximately £378,000 per year, this equates to a target reserve of £189,000–£378,000.

At year-end, total unrestricted reserves (excluding designated funds) stood at £985,521. While this exceeds the target, the Trustees plan to designate surplus funds for a specific building project, consistent with future developments.

Future Development

• The project to build a dedicated facility for supporting trafficked people has experienced a delay due to legal matters currently being addressed with solicitors. We are actively working to resolve this issue as soon as possible and remain committed to progressing the development. We anticipate that this will not affect our long-term delivery of services, and the project will continue to provide essential support to trafficked individuals once resolved.

The Trustees are particularly encouraged by:

• The growth and commitment of our volunteer team.

• The positive community feedback regarding our new health, wellbeing, and craft initiatives.

• Strong partnerships developed with local statutory, voluntary, and community organisations.

• Continued growth in accredited skills training and health awareness initiatives.

• Strengthening international outreach while maintaining local community support.

The charity continues to ensure that its services remain inclusive, responsive, and community led. Trustees are confident that the work carried out this year has made a meaningful difference to the lives of local people, reducing isolation, building skills, and improving overall wellbeing.

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 37 High Street Merseyside Carrickfergus L30 4GB BT38 7AN

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 14th September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

———————————— Lewis Smyth – Chair 14th September 2025