The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)
Year ended 31 March 2023
The director5, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the
financial statements of the chartty for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Reference and admlnistrative details
Registered charity name
The Welcomè Organisation
Charity registration number
NIC103976
Company reglslratlon number N1070562
Prlncipal office and registered Townsend Enterprise Park
office
36 Townsend Street
Belfast
BT13 2ES
The dlrectors
Mr. Patrick Dohety
Mr. S Jackson
Ms. L Millar
MS K Strain
Mr. J Whyte
(Appointed 24 September 2013)
(Appointed 22 July 2021)
(Appointed 22 July 2021)
(Appointed 22 July 2021)
(Appointed 8 October 2021)
Company secretary
Jo Daykin-G¢)odall
Audltor
FEB Chartered Accountants
Chartered accountanls & statutory auditor
Linenhall Exchange
1 st Floor,
26 Linenhall Street
Belfast
Northem Ireland
BT2 8BG
Bankers
Dankse Bank UK
Donegal Square
Belfast
BT16JS
Slructure, govemance and management
The Welcome Organisation is a registered charity and operates as a company limited by guarantee
status. The company was established under a memorandum of association which established the
objects and powers of the charttable company and is govemed under its Articles of Association. In the
event of the company being wound up members are required to contribule an amount not exceeding
£1.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (Condnued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities
Strategic alms and actlvltles
The strategic aims of the Organisation are as follows:
al Relieve the poverty and distress of people vtho are suffering from the effects of hornelessness or the
threat of homelessness in Northem Ireland (the "area of benefit'}, without distinction of sex, race,
ethniaty, age, disability, or poltbcal. religious or other opinion in particular but not exdusively by the
provision, or assistance in the provision, of:
{il aeLommodation',
{ii) advice, counselling and support services-
{iii} befriending service. and
{iv) drop-in centres
b) Develop the skills and capacity of the members of the homeless community in such a way that they
are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fulty in society,
cl Advance the education of the public about the needs of people who are suffering from the effects of
homelessness or threatened homelessness,
d) Pursue any other charitable purpose which the Directors think fit to pursue in conjunction with any of
the charitable objects mentioned above
Powers
In furtherance of the said objects, but not further or otherwise, the Company shall have power to:
{a} provid8 or secure the provision of social and support services, educational and recreational facilities
and practical assistance in the area of benefft-
(b) provide or secure the provision of advice, counselling and infomiation and refer those in need of
professional assistance to the relevant agencies.
{c} provide, endow, fumish and fft out with all necessary fijmiture and other 4uipment and maintain
such buildings, premises, and centres as may from time to time be required for the purposes of the
Company.,
(d) Covoperate and enter inlo arrangements with any authorities. national, local or othe￿iSe.
{e} bring together in Conferen￿ representatives of voluntary organisations, Govemment departments,
statutory authorities and individuals-
(Q arrange and provide for, either alone or with others. the holding of exhibitions, meetings, lectures,
classes, seminars or training courses. and recreational and other leisure - time activities.,
(gl collect and disseminate infonnation on all matters rdating to its objects, and to exchange such
information with other bodies having similar objects whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.
(h) write, print or publish. in whatever forn. such paper5, books, periodicals. pamphlets or other
documents, including films and recorded material, as shall further its objects, and to issue or circulate
Ihe same whether for payment or otheTWiS8'

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contlnu8d)
Year ended 31 March 2023
{1) accept subscriptions, donations. devises and bequests of and to purchase, take on lease or in
exchange, hire or othe￿iSe acquire and hold any real or personal estate, maintain and alter any ofthe
same as are necessary for any of the objects of the Company and (subject to such consenls as may
be required by law) sell, lease or othetwise dispose of or mortgage any such real or personal estate,
having due regard to the requirements of, or conditions established by. statutory authorities or bodies
providing funds or assistance of any kind to the Company:
(il issue appeals, hold public meetings and take such other steps as may be required for the purpose
of procuring Contributions to the funds of the Company in the shape of donations, subscriplions or
othenNiSe',
{k} draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue promissory notes, bills, cheques and
other instruments, and to operate bank accounts.,
{1) borrow or raise money for the objects of the Company on such temis and (with such consents as are
required by lawl on such security as may be thought fit provided thal the Company shall not undertake
any pemianent trading activities in raising funds for the objects of the Company.
(m) take and accept any gtft of money, property or other assets, whether subject to any special trust or
not, for any one or more of the objects of the Company.,
(nj invest the monies of the Company not immediately required for its objects in or upon such
investments, securities or property as may be thought fit, subject nevertheless to such conditions lif
any) and such consents (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law and subject
also as hereinafter provided-
(ol make any charitable donation either in cash or assets for the furtherance of the objects of the
Company.,
(p) establish and support any charitable association or body and to subscribe or guarantee money for
charitable purposes calculated to further the objecls of the Company.
(q) make regulations f¢y the proper supervision, control and management of any propety which may
be so acquired;
(r) employ and pay any person or persons not being a Diredor of the Company to supervise, organise,
carry on the work of and advise the Company,.
Recruitment and Appointment of Board Members
The Board of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the
company's Articles are known as members of the Board. Under the requirements ofthe Memorandum
and Artides of Association the members of the board are re-elected at the Annual General Meeting.
The Organisation is govemed by a small competency based Board {see above) drawing upon
professionals from a range of relevant disciplines. The Members role is to contribute to the effective
govemance of The Welcome Organisation in promoting the vision, rnission, aims and objectives of the
organisation.
Recruitment of Board Members follows a fomial recruitment process based on the specific needs and
skill set required.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contlnu•dJ
Year ended 31 March 2023
All members of the Board give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity.
Evaluation measures are used to ensure that semces are appropriate, accessible and represent good
value to ensure limited resources are used to their best advantage to most effectively meet presenting
and undedying needs. The Welcome Organisation seeks to complement existing services rather than
to compete.
Senlor Leadership Team
Ms. Jo Daykin-Goodall
Ms. Mo Sykes
Mr. Kieran Hughes
Chief Executive Officer
Head of Corporate Service5
Head of Fundraising & Marketing
HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT
Soclal Capltal
The Organisation creates value for people who are currendy homeless or at risk of homelessness and
dis-connected from communty and services by:
supporting networks that connect individuals vtho are diverse, sustaining generalised
reciprocity.
building diverse community through the delivery of services which challenge social
marginalisation and isolation
Achievements and evaluation of this objective is collected through case management outcomes,
outcome monitoring and client profiling.
The Organisation supports individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. offering a range
of services to include crisis interyention, support and advice, and accommodation support seNices
which include a Drop-in Centre. Street Outreach, Floating support service and crisis and supported
living accommodation for females. Collectively. all services provide 2417 coverage, 365 days a year.
Social Economy
As a social economy the Welcome Organisation eTnploys 50 full time and 16 part-time staff.
In addition to this the organization also supports volunteering and throughout the year 24 individuals
were engaged in regular activty at our sites. A further 125 individuals assisted special projects including
organizing the Christmas gift appeal.
We also commend the work of the volunteer fijndraisers including the 48 individuals who ran in the
Belfast Marathon, the 17 who took part in the Belfast Castle abseil and another 65 who organized a
variety of events throughout the year.
Particular thanks this year to our Corporate Sponsors Citi Bank and the generosty of their staff, in
particular the 45 individuals who took part in the Citi Sleepout and the 500 participants in the Citi 5k.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Health and Well Being
The Organisation strives to promote positive changes which enhance health and well-being and
contributes to the fulfilment of individual personslhuman aspirations and potential. In this year a 10-bed
therapeutic supported living unit was opened for women who are homeless. living complex lives and
ready to progress their journey towards independent living. The trauma informed service recognises
the unique sttuation of these women and provides 24n support. We continue our other ServI￿S
providing a holistic range of interventions for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
including:
provision of food, clothing. personal hygiene faciltties, laundry services and other interventions
aimed at meeting basic needs and reduce hann
supporting individuals to sustain accommodation and prevent homelessness
access to SP8cialist services including counselling on drug and alcohol issues
provision of regular health. housing and advisory clinics
personal support to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge to improve their own
wellbeing, and develop resilience skills in the face of difficulties.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contlnuedj
Year ended 31 March 2023
Achievements and performance
Drop-ln Support Services
Funding from the Housing Executive's homelessness budget is made available to the Welcome
Organisation to provide a Drop -in Centre for people who are rough sleeping, homeless or at risk of
homelessness. The services provides for the basic needs of the individual {food, clothing, showers,
laundry facilities) and a place of refijge. The Drop-in is underpinned by the provision of individual
tailored support which recognises the unique circumstances and needs of the service user and
provides a gateway to a broad range of Se￿iceS which are difficult for marginalised people to access
nomially.
These services indude access to healthcare in partnership with our colleagues at the Belfast Health
Trust, benefft support, addiction services and mental health support. All services are delivered within
a high tolerance, hami reduction model, which is central lo the Organisation's success in working with
people with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
In this year over a thousand unique clients used the Dropln seNices. Staff worked with clients lo
ascertain their immediate and longer term needs. On a daily basis clients were provided with a range
of practical assistance induding clothing, washing facilitses. The Drop-ln services also provided three
meals every day, equating lo over ten thousand meals in the year.
Staff also provided support interventions in eX￿s$ of 10,000 occasions this year, helping cli8nts
access accommodation.
In addition to supporting dients to find accommodation. staff also supported over 2,000 individual
applications for welfare and benefit claims and managed a fijrther 2.100 interventions related to
supporting clients their imme(liate physicavmentsl heaEth needs and access to addiction services.
2417 Street Outreach
The Street Outreach service is funded from the Housing Executive's Prevention of Rough Sleeping in
Belfast budget. The service delivers a rapid response to individuals who find themselves rough
sleeping in the ¢ity. In this year we recorded over 500 rough sleepers and throughout the year the
Outreach Teams provided basic needs lo those sleeping rough or engaging in street activity on over
15,000 occasions.
The Outreach teams proactively seek out those who are sleeping rough. providing food and hot
drinks, building relationships and gaining trust in order to support their journey off the streets. This
year as well as meeting their basic needs, the Outreach teams helped rough sleepers to access
relevant welfare benefits and financial support on over 1,000 occasions. The teams also provided
help to rough sleepers on over 4,500 occasions in relation to their physical and mental health needs
and referrals into addiction SerVi￿s.
The Street Outreach teams also provide an emergency response service (Code 7's) to support 'blue
light, seryices. Where appropriate. individuals are transported back to their hostellaccommodation or if
this is not feasible to the Drop-in as a place of safety and to rest. This aspect of the Outreach servi
prevents misuse of acute setvices and eases the pressures on them. Wilhin the year there were 944
Code 7 calls with 869 responded to within 30 minutes {92¢/0). The highest number of calls received
were from the public (564 calls) followed by 202 calls recewed from the PSNI.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {¢gnUnued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Annsgate Crisis Accommodation for Females
The Welcome Organisation provides crisis accornmodation services to women presenting with high
levels of need. The 10-bed space crash facility based at Annsgate is used by women who would
othe￿iSe be sleeping out on the street. The service provides a place of safety and staff support
clients on site. The demand on the service remains very high with 115 unique individuals using the
facility in the year of which 61 % received support to move on from the service in a planned way.
The facility is also re¢ognized as a gateway Service for women and enables them to access a wider
range of more holistic services to meet their specific needs.
Floating SUPPOrt services
This service provided support up to 114 vulnerable individuals, who have secured accornmodation and
need additional support to maintsin their tenancy. The service delivers a range of high to low flexible
support services responding to the clients, fluctuating needs. The services are tailored to each
individuals, parlicular circumstances.
Catherine House
This new service was launched in March 2023 and provides trauma infonned supported
accommodation with staff on hand 2417. This innovative service recognises the impact of trauma and
IS 5ensttive to the specific needs of individuals living with trauma and moving towards independent
living. By the end of March 2023 Catherine House was 500/0 full. It is now occupied at 1000/0.
Mobile Health Unit
The mobile health unit is now in its secondyearofoperation and provldes much needed medical support
to the most vulnerable who would otherwise be unlikely to access the healthcare they need. Operating
in Belfast and the North West in partnership with the Health Trusts the provision includes critical
vaccination seNices and primary health care needs.
To conclude the review of servicès we also note that our staff are trained to administer Naloxone
which is an evidence-based intervention that can save Itves by blocking or reversing the effects of a
heroin or opioid overdose. Naloxone is available across all our services and staff are trained to
recognise the signs of overdose and to respond appropriately thereby reduung drug-related deaths.
This year across the services, our staff administered Naloxone on 157 occasions.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Dlrectors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) {¢onUnue
Year ended 31 March 2023
Flnancial review
PRINCIPLE FUNDING SOURCES
Financial revlew
Against the backdrop of limited resources and insecuritses over funding, it has contFnued to be difficuli
to plan or develop services. Nevertheless the charity, with the aid of sound financial management and
the support of both its staff and volunteers generated a positive financial outcome for the period with a
net increase in funds of £272,655.
Recurrent funding
Services are primarily funded by the Housing Executive's Homelessness and Supporting People
programmes by way of grant and contract income from Northem Ireland Housing Executive.
Fundlng (other)
Asid8 from r8current funding we continue to generate income through fund raising activities and
charitable donations.
Our Charity of the Year partnership with Citi Bewast has be8n v8ry successful and w8 have also
increased our number of regular donors-, we ujrrenlly have over 180 individuals who donate either
monthly or annually.
As we seek to fijrther develop our services the charity wll continue to seek to diversify funding sources.
Designated Reservos
In order to make a judgement on the amount of reserve th8 Board consider Ihe risks in respect of
expenditure. unrestricted income and where appropriate restricted incorne and where funds can only
be realised by the disposal of a fixed asset.
A risk assessment is undertaken annually and detemiined using a Risk Identtfication approach. Also
taken into consideration are any extemal identified potential major risks to income and expenditure
during the year. Designated reserves therefore reflect areas outlined in the Organisations Risk Register
which is maintained to ensure identified risks are mitigated for and managed appropriately.
The Organisation has adopted a policy io build up and retain cash reserves equalling 6 months running
costs. to reflect:
historic delays in statutory funding receipts.
- withdrawal or reduction of govemment funding
- support for Organisational growth
Reserves and Risk are reviewed regularfy as part of the Business Planning and included in Financial
reporting at regular Board Meetings.
Rlsk Management
The Board has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. A risk register
has been established and is updated at leasl annually. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have
been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢gnUnuedJ
Year ended 31 March 2023
Intemal control risks are minimised by the implementstion of procedures for authorisation of all
transactions and prOje￿s.
Policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers,
lients and visitors services.
Procedur8s are periodi(￿llY reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.
Charitable Status
The Organisation continues to be registered as a charitywith the Northem Ireland Charities Commission
and evidenced compliance standards.
Directors, responsibilities statèmont
The directors, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing
the directors. report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generalty Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity directors to prepare financial statements for each year which give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and
application of r8sourc8s, including the income and expenditure, for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to..
select suitab18 accounting pdiaes and then apply them consistently:
observe the methods and prinaples in the applicable Chariiies SORP.,
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charity WTII continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and
explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable a￿UraCY at any time the financial
position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Welcome Organisation
Company Limited by Guarantee
Directors. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Director's Report) (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2023
Auditor
Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this report confimis that:
so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit infomiation of which the charty's auditor is
unaware" and
they have taken all steps Ihat they ought to have taken as a director to make themselves aware
of any relevant audit information and to establish thal the charity's auditor is aware of that
information.
The auditor is deemed to have been re-appointed in accordanc8 With secl¢on 487 of the Companies Act
2006.
Small company provlslons
This report has been prepared in accordan￿ with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to
the small companies exemption.
The directors. annual report was approved on 3 July 2023 and s￿ned on behalf of the board of trustees
by:
Mr J Whyte
Director
io