Charity Registration No. 103257 Company Registration No. NI042845 (Northern Ireland)
IMPACT NETWORK (in Communities) NI
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
IMPACT NETWORK (in Communities) NI
CONTENTS
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Page
Legal and Administrative Information 1
Trustee report 2 – 7
Accountants Report 8
Statement of Trustees 11
Financial Activities 12 - 13
Accountants Certificate 14
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IMPACT NETWORK (in Communities) NI
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mr S Bell |
|---|---|
| Mr D Richardson | |
| Mr D McAuley | |
| Mr R Williamson | |
| Mr J Greer | |
| Mrs J McCaughey | |
| Mr R Taylor | |
| Secretary | Mr D Richardson |
| Charity number | 103257 |
| Company number | NI042845 |
| Registered office | Unit 6-7 Arches House |
| 38-40 Main Street | |
| Randalstown | |
| Co Antrim | |
| BT41 3AB | |
| Auditor | Stephen White Accounting and Taxation |
| 1a Main Street | |
| Ballymoney | |
| BT53 6AN |
IMPACT NETWORK (in Communities) NI
TRUSTEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. Registered Name of Charity: Impact Network in Communities NI Charity Number: 103257 Registered Office: Unit 6-7 Arches House, 38-40 Main Street, Randalstown, Co Antrim, BT41 3AB
Chairpersons Remarks
Impact Network NI, established in 2002, continues to provide a distinct and much needed service working in the community for the community. Our excelling performance once again shows the extensive work that our staff tirelessly go above and beyond to ensure that the community reaches its full potential and gains the most from all the programmes we provide.
Impact Network NI remains committed to the key principles of community development. We have a vision of vibrant, articulate, inclusive and sustainable communities across Northern Ireland contributing to a prosperous, equitable, peaceful, and stable society.
As a network, we continue to build relationships with councils and our statutory partners to ensure that the needs of local communities remain to the forefront of the community planning agenda, and the Peace Plus Partnership to ensure that Impact Network NI will be there to meet and support those needs.
We would like to acknowledge the support of our funders who have supported the organisation to grow and develop our work. We would also like to thank all our partners, collaborators and supporters from across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland for their cohesion and friendship as we have sought to share lessons from our work and learn lessons from theirs. A final word of thanks must go to our member groups who we have served. Their daily work in communities across Northern Ireland at the coalface of tackling poverty, loneliness, providing community space to meet, providing childcare and youth services is inspiring and is the glue that binds many communities together.
As Chairman and on behalf of the Board of Directors and communities we serve, I commend the work of Impact Network NI which is an invaluable source of support to local communities. We continue to witness an ever-growing demand and increase in our capacity.
I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their support to me as Chairperson and for their ongoing commitment to the work of Impact Network NI. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my appreciation to the staff members, who have continued to show an adaptable and professional approach to their work with a humble and steadfast approach to continue to do their best in the community is commendable.
Impact Network NI will continue to develop and offer leadership; it has proven it is well placed to deliver much needed support and guidance for a wide variety of community groups. I am delighted that they will continue to benefit from the expertise, partnership working and representation that Impact Network NI can and has offered.
Sam Bell Chairperson
IMPACT NETWORK (in Communities) NI
TRUSTEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and Performance
Impact Network NI have maintained a level of funded projects to enable the organisation to continue to support the community across Northern Ireland in various ways. We have adapted our way of working, since the global pandemic and connect in a hybrid way, engaging individuals and communities in the best suitable way. We do believe that face to face support helps to sustain and build communities in the best possible way.
Community Animation Skills to Employability – funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
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9 unemployed trained in Security Licence
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6 unemployed trained in First Aid
Community Christmas Cheer - funded by Clanmill
- Family Christmas Festival for 250 children
Community Engagement Programme – funded by Northern Ireland Housing Executive
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Support and facilitate Rathcoole Celebrates 70 Years- Community Information, Engagement programme
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Monkstown Legacy Programme
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Rathfern Feasibility Study
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3 x Re-imaging Projects
Cost of Living Events – funded by The National Lottery Awards for All
- Hosted 8 support and outreach events including food support, fuel support and essential keep warm packs to 256 individuals most in need
Cybersafe – funded by Assets Recovery Community Scheme
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18 digital for senior school communities workshops by Wayne Denner to 6084 pupils
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4 inspiring and empowering workshops by Wayne Denner to 363 community representatives/parents/guardians
Cybersafe Primary Schools – funded by Clanmill
- 8 digital for primary school communities workshops by Wayne Denner to 469 pupils
Events Management – Funded by ANBC and CC&G
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Delivered a three hour workshop on events management to 18 participants
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Delivered OCN Level 2 Events Management Training to 38 participants
Kids Get Moving - Funded by Northern Healthy Lifestyles Partnership
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Targeted 25 pre school children and parents/guardians helping to improve physical activity during workshops and using the provided equipment to continue with physical activity sessions
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6 Mindfulness sessions for children
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6 Rugby Tots sessions for children
Ladies in Leadership – Department for Foreign Affairs
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4 x peace-building seminars with key female speakers
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10 x health and wellbeing sessions
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8 x Confidence, Self Esteem and Personal Development Workshops
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8 x Leadership Workshops
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4 x Good Practice Visits
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2 x Celebration Events
Lunching Together Project – Funded by Halifax Foundation
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Bi-weekly 20 week programme luncheon club bringing 30 of the most isolated, vulnerable and living alone together for a nutritious meal into the company of others
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Bi-weekly information sessions including Citizens Advice Bureau, PSNI Safety Workshops, Kith and Kin
Outcome Based Approach and Communications Support – Funded by Public Health Agency
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Dedicated support to all networks across the Northern Locality for development, training and continued evaluation support via OBA model
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Dedicated outreach support to Social Media Reach of 170041 individuals
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Dedicated support to maintain the Health Alliance Website and Outreach resources to general public and over 620 members
OCN Stewarding Training – Derry City and Strabane Council
- Delivered OCN Level 2 Stewarding Training to over 50 participants
Networking Involving Communities in Health Improvement (NICHI) – Funded by Public Health Agency Supporting local communities in health and wellbeing using a community development approach, addressing health inequalities.
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5 NICHI model groups engaged in a mentoring, support and capacity building project throughout the year, using an enhanced action plan
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Providing Guidance to over 150+ local community groups, including targeted work to marginalised/vulnerable groups
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NICHI Officer coordinator enhanced training programme on Community Development, Social Model of Health and Health Literacy delivered to 10 groups
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Delivered 4 workshops on Creating Healthier Communities
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Delivered 4 Winter Wellbeing workshops
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Delivered 4 Cooking on a Budget Workshops
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NICHI Officer coordinated Happy Healthy Aging Project with 30 older people in the local area
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Hosted 2 NICHI Annual Wellbeing events including Promoting Wellness and Positive Aging
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Hosted 2 NICHI Networking Best Practice Events
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Partnership/Steering Group membership Linking Generations NI, Antrim and Ballymena Children’s Young People Strategic Partnership, Carrickfergus and Larne Children’s Young People Strategic Partnership, Newtownabbey Children’s Young People Strategic Partnership, Antrim and Newtownabbey Peer Support, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Community Planning, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Community Planning, Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network, Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network, Northern Healthy Lifestyles Partnership, Carrickfergus Advisory Group
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48 Health and Wellbeing Newsletters Distributed to 624 Health Alliance Members
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Hosted 2 Intergenerational Workshops with local Folds and Primary Schools
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Hosted better sleep workshop
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Design and Create the NICHI Model Toolkit
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Hosted 4 best practice visits for Seniors
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Developed a detailed programme for 50 most vulnerable and isolated seniors in the rural area
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Attended various events including NRC Fresher Fairs, Positive Ageing Events, ROC Winter Warmer Events, ASD Teens Policing Events
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Completed Good Food Toolkit Workshop
Randalstown Connect Create and Learn – Funded by Arts Council
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21 weeks connecting with 30 older people in Randalstown with a range of workshops including decoupage, collage, wax resist water colour workshops and card making
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Design and print of a collection of all the art work produced throughout the project and launched as “Our Wee Book of Joy”. 500 books distributed.
Suicide Prevention Development Project (SPDO) – funded by Public Health Agency
The Northern Locality Suicide Prevention model encourages a community development, grass roots approach to Promoting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within communities.
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Providing Guidance to over 350+ local community groups, including targeted work to marginalised/vulnerable groups
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93,000 Ready to Help Pocket Guides delivered throughout the Northern Locality
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17 specific intervention cases
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11 online support intervention cases
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2857 Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing Packs distributed
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Partnership/Steering Group membership of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Community Planning, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Community Planning, Youth Housing Community Network, Antrim and Newtownabbey Youth Voiced, Antrim and Ballymena Children’s Young People Strategic Partnership, Carrickfergus and Larne Children’s Young People Strategic Partnership, Newtownabbey Children’s Young People Strategic Partnership All Party Group Suicide Prevention, Protect Life Implementation Group, Bereaved by Suicide NHSCT and Barnardo’s Peer Support Group, NHSCT Ethnic Minorites and Refugees Steering Group, My Community Carrickfergus, Housing Community Network, PSNI, Support Hubs, Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network, Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network, Age Well Partnership
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Signpost 30+ communities to suicide prevention, mental health and emotional wellbeing and bereavement information and support them through various communication methods
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SPDO completed Adverse Childhood Experiences Training
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SPDO represented at 18 community fairs including NRC freshers fairs connecting with over 400 students
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SPDO engaged in good relations PeacePlus Health and Wellbeing consultation
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SPDO hosted Better Sleep Workshop, Coping on Difficult Days, Compassion Fatigue, Social media and Mental Health, Understanding Self Harm, 6 week programme Living Life to the Full, Hoarding Workshop, Happy Minds Grateful Hearts, Mindfulness for Children and Young People Workshop, Mood Matters, MindSet, Domestic Violence Awareness Session, Psychology of Resilience, Healing Power of Play, Skill of Listening, Importance of Compassion, Making the Most of Your Money, Reflect Relax Recharge, Person Behind the Behaviour
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SPDO completed 12 PSNI Vulnerability Sessions
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SPDO managed and supported 27 promoting mental health and suicide prevention model groups
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SPDO presentation to A Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention
Winter Warmer Project – Funded by ARN Foundation
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Provided via delivery weekly nutritious weeks to those isolated in the community for 24 weeks, with each participant receiving 2 nutritious meals per week.
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Weekly check in calls to each participant
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Oil voucher given to each participant
IMPACT NETWORK (in Communities) NI
TRUSTEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and Aims
Impact Network NI meet community needs by determining and responding to key issues impacting on communities including health and wellbeing, suicide prevention, community development support, community transformation, peace and reconciliation programmes and inter-estate programmes are just a brief synopsis of the variety and reach the staff and organisation deliver on a daily basis. Since 2002, the Network has been recognised as the key community membership based organisation to drive forward community initiatives using a community development approach that engages and represents effectively across the sector. Impact Network NI has 350+ member groups and a management committee of 7 Directors.
Impact Network NI believes that effective responses to the issues are best achieved through working in partnership with all relevant community, voluntary, statutory and academic organisations and bodies.
The trustees do not expect the activities to change significantly during the incoming year.
Public Benefit
Impact Network (in Communities) NI LTD meet and comply with all requirements of the Charities Act 2008 and have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
Financial review
The main source of funding throughout the year was from grants. In calculating the required level of reserves the charity takes into account the risks of income and expenditure, the trustees believe it is beneficial to hold an amount in unrestricted funds to cover running costs for a period of nine months to enable the company to continue at its current level of activity.
Reserves policy
The trustees consider the Reserve Policy an important part of the internal financial management. It assists with strategic planning when reviewing new or potential projects/activities; informs the budget process and enables planning for a balanced budget or use of reserves; and it informs the budget and risk management process by identifying any uncertainty in future income streams. Reserves are reviewed in detail annually but also monitored throughout the year to assess any build up of reserves or unexpected depletion of these.
Operational Reserves are required to allow the organisation to continue to deliver its charitable objectives and seek alternative funding sources, should existing annual funding be restricted and to provide assurance against a risk of an unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need for funds. In addition, Operational Reserves provide the organisation with the ability to react to short term opportunities. In quantifying the level of Operational Reserves required, the level of net current assets and liabilities are compared to the average monthly expenditure. The risks associated with future income, grants and expenditure are also considered. As a result, the Trustees have determined in their last review that 9 months of the annual recurring expenditure are required as Operational Reserves.
IMPACT NETWORK (in Communities) NI
TRUSTEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
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Investment Policy and Objectives
Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to invest in any way the trustees wish.
Risk
The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The charity constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. It is controlled by it's governing document.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr S Bell
Mr D Richardson Mr D McAuley Mr R Willamson Mr J Greer Mrs J McCaughey Mr R Taylor
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Impact Network (in Communities) NI openly invite all community members to put themselves forward for nomination of election to the charity. When a position becomes available the board of Trustees then undertake a skills audit of nominations and invite all potential trustees to meet the board before a decision of recruitment and appointment is made.
Organisational Structure
The board of trustees administers the charity. The board meets monthly, there are sub committees covering fund-raising, strategy and finance which meet regularly. A manager is appointed by the trustees to manage the daily operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations, the manager has delegated authority, within the terms of delegation approved by the trustees, for operational matters.
Induction and training of new trustees
New Trustees undergo orientation to brief them on their legal obligations under charity law, the content of the Trust Deed, decision making processes, the business plan and the recent financial performance of the charity. During induction, they meet key members of staff and other Trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Related Parties
There are no related parties within the charity.