5th Belfast Scout Group Trustees Annual Report 2024 

The 5[th] Belfast Scout group are based in168 Church Road, Newtownabbey, in the Centre of Glengormley.  Our members come mainly from the local and surrounding area of Newtownabbey. As a group we take children from all society groups. We are open to everyone with a diversity policy set up to maintain equality. We aim for a safe, structured environment free from bullying and to maintain respect at all times. 

Throughout the year Scouts have participated in events which involved outward bound events such as canoeing at various levels, culminating in a large camp in May for three days with different district scouts with the same interests competing and forming friendships. The Cubs and Beavers this year also competed in a large end of year camp in Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. This amalgamation on the 10 June lasted two nights and promoted bonds and friendships between the groups. 

The theme for the Christmas charity this year was hunger in the community and by putting forward an appeal for our local food bank was very successful and promoted charity and help and showed the children another aspect to life. All receipts went to the Group Scout Leader, John Seaward, and returned to the Trustees, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. We are a stand-alone group, grant aided by the Education Board for maintenance of the hall but due to cutbacks in funds it has been tight but we still maintain our standards. 

New leaders have joined this year which maintains our compliance with scouting. 

All insurance for the year has been paid in full and checked for the three groups. 

The Trustees, Mr. Brian O’Hara and Mrs. Felicity Campbell, who have overall governance with the assistance of the Hall Committee consisting of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary which maintains overall guidance and compliance of all working practices and policies to maintain a well-structured charity. 

Mr. Brian O’Hara    Trustee 5[th] Belfast Scout Group Date 20 January 2025