The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The directors, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law. present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Reference and adminislrative details Registered charlty name The Welcome Organisation Charity registratlon number NIC103976 Company reglstration number N1070562 Principal office and registered Townsend Enterprise Park office 36 Townsend Street Belfast BT13 2ES The directors Mr P Dohety Mr S Jackson Ms L Millar Ms K Strain Mr J Whyte (resigned 30 June 2023> Company secretsry Jo Daykin-Goodall Auditor FEB Chartered Accountants Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Linenhall Exchange 1st Floor, 26 Linenhall Street Belfast Norlhem Ireland BT2 8BG Bankers Bank of Ireland Belfast City Branch Belfast BT12BA Structure* govemance and management The Welcome Organisation is a registered charity and operates as a company Ilmlted by guarantee status. The company was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is govemed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (eontlnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and actlvltles Strategic aims and a¢tlvities The strategic aims of the Organisation are as follows: a) Relieve the poverty and distress of people who are suffering from the effects of homelessness or the threat of homelessness in Northem Ireland (the 'area of benefit.), wilhoul distinction of sex, race, ethnicity, age, disability, or political, religious or other opinion in particular but not exclusively by the provision, or assistance in the provision, of.. {1) accommodation., {ii) advice, counselling and support Seices- {iii) befriending service- and {iv) droFFin centres b) Develop the skills and Gapacity of the members of the homeless communty in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fulty in society, c) 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 frt 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) provide or secure the provision of social and support services. educational and recreational facilities and practical assistance in the area of benefit., {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 fit out with all necessary fumiture and other equipment and maintain such buildings, premises, and centres as may from time to time be required for the purposes of th8 Company. (d) co-operate and enter into arrangements wyth any authorities, national, local or othernise" (e} bring together in conference representatives of voluntary organisations, Govemment departments, statutory aulhorities and individuals- (n arrange and provide for, either alone or with others. the holding of exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars or Iraining courses, and recreational and other leisure - time activities. (g) collect and disseminate information on all matters relating 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 form. such papers, books, periodicals, pamphlets or other documents, including films and recorded material, as shall further its objects, and to issue or circulate the same whether for payment or otherwise;
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 (i) accept subscriptions, donations, devises and bequests of and to Pufchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otheiSe acquire and hold any real or personal estate, maintain and alter any of the same as are necessary for any of the objects of the Company and (subject to such consents as may be required by law) sell, lease or otherwise 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: U) issu8 appeals, hold public meetings and take such other steps as may be required for the purpose of procuring contributlons to the ndS of the Company in the shape of donations, subscriptions or otherwise., (k) draw, make, accept, endorse, discount. execute and issue promissory notes, bills, Cheques and other instruments, and to operate bank accounts: (l) borrow or raise money for the objects of the Company on such ternis and (with such consents as are required by law) on such security as may be thought fit provided thal the Company shall not undertake any permanent trading activities in raising funds for the objects of the Company., (m) take and accept any gift af money, property or other assets, whether subject to any special trust or not, for any one or more of the objects of the Company; (n) invest th8 monies of the Company not immediatety required for ils objects in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit, subject nevertheless to such conditions (if any) and such consents (rf any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law and subject also as hereinafter provided. (o) make any Charitable donation either in cash or assets for the fijrtherance 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 objects of the Company., (q) make regulations for the proper supeNision, control and management of any property which may be so acquired- (r) employ and pay any person or persons not being a Director of the Company to supervise, organise, carry on the work of and advise the Company; Recrultment and Appointment of Board Members The Board of the company are also charty trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as members of the Board. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the re-elected at the Annual General Meeting. The Organisation is governed by a small competency-based Board drawing upon professionals from a range of relevant disciplines. The Member's role is to contribute to the effective govemance of The Welcome Organisation in promoting the vision, mission. aims and objectives of the organisation. Recruitment of Board Members follows a formal recruitment process based on th8 specific needs and skill set required.
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlrtU8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 All members of the Board give their time voluntarily and reGeived no benefits from the charity. Evaluation measures are used to ensure that services are appropriate, accessible and represent good value to ensure limited resources are used to their best advantage to most effectively meet presenting and underlying 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 Ms Colleen Hamilton Chief Executive Officer Head of Corporate seices Head of Fundraising & Marketing Head of Operations HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT Social Capital The Organisation creates value for people who are Currently homeless or at risk of homelessness and dis-connected from community and services by: supporting networks that connect individuals who are diverse, sustaining generalised reciprocily. -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 oulcomes, 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 intervention, support and advice, and accommodation 5UPPOrt setvices 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. Soclal Economy As a social economy the Welcome Organisation employs 46 full-time and 7 part-time staff. In addition to this the organisation also supports volunteering and throughout the year 21 individuals were engaged in regular activity at our sites. A further 190 individuals assisled special projects including organising the Christmas gift appeal. We also commend the work of the volunteer fundraisers including the 45 individuals who ran in the Belfast Marathon for Welcome. Particular thanks this yaar to our Corporate Sponsors Mortgage IQ and the generosity of their staff, in particular everyone who took part in the various events they held throughout the year, including a fijndraising Night at the Races which raised over £5000 and the branch-to-branch cycle which also raised over £5000. The team also committed over 15 staff members to onewoff volunteering at Welcome.
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Health and Well Being The Organisation strives to prornote positive changes which enhance health and well-being and conlributes to the fuifilment of individual personslhuman aspirations and polential. This was the first operational year of our 10-bed therapeulic supported living unit for women who are horneless. living complex lives and ready to progress their journey towards independent living. The traurna infomed service recognises the unique situation of these women and provides 2417 support. We continue our other services providing a holistic range of interventions for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness including: provision of food. clothing, personal hygiene facilities, laundry services and other interventions aimed at meeting basi¢ needs and reduce hami supporting individuals to sustain accommodation and prevent homelessness access to specialist 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 Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Achievements and performance Drop-ln Support Services Funding from the Housing Executive's homelessness budget is made available lo the Welcome Organisation to provide a Drop -in Centre for people who are rough sleeping, homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service provides for the basic needs of the individual (food, clolhing, showers, laundry facilities) and a place of refuge. 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 services which are difficult for marginalised people to access normally. These services include ac¢ess to heahcare in partnership with our colleagues at the Belfast Health Trust's Belfast Inclusion Health Service. benefit support, addiction services and mental health support. All services are delivered within a high tolerance, hami reduction model, which is central to the Organisation's success in working with people with complex needs and challenging behaviours. In this year 1390 unique clients used the Drop-ln services. presenting to US OV8r 16,000 times combined. 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 including Glothing, washing facilities. The Drop -In services also provided three meals every day, equating to over ten thousand meals in the year. staff also provided support interventions in excess of 11,400 o¢¢asions this year, helping clients access accommodation. In addition to supporting clients to find accommodation, staff also supported over 1,250 individual applications for welfare and benefit claims and managed a further 2032 interventions related lo supporting clients with their immediate physicavmental health needs and access to addiction services. 24ri 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 city. In this year we recorded over 600 rough sleepers and throughout the year the Outreach Teams provided basic needs to those sleeping rough or engaging in street activity on over 17.000 occasions. The outreach teams proactively seek out those who are sleeping rough. providing food and hol 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 5UPPOrt on 1,498 occasions. The teams also provided help to rough sleepers on 7793 occasions in relation to their physical and mental health needs and referrals into addiction services. The Stre8t Outreach teams also provide an emergency respons8 service (Code 7's) to support 'blue light, services. Where appropriate, individuals are transported back to their hostella¢commodation or if this is not feasible to the Drop-in as a place of safety and to rest. This aspect of the Outreach service prevents misuse of acute SeiceS and eases the pressures on them. Within the year there were 790 Code 7 calls with 673 r8sponded to within 30 minutes (85°). The highest number of calls received W8re from the public (442 calls) followed by 134 calls reiVed from the PSNI.
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Annsgate Crisis Accommodation for Females The Welcome Organisation provides crisis accommodation services to women presenting with high levels of need. The 10-bed space crash facility based at Annsgate is used by women who would otherwise 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 188 unique individuals using the facility in th8 year of which 63 % received support to move on from the service in a planned way. The facility is also recognised as a gateway service for women and enables them to access a wider range of more holistic services to meet their spectfic needs. Floatlng support servlces This service provided support up to 111 vulnerable individuals, who have secured accommodation and need additional support lo maintain their tenancy. The service delivers a range of high to low flexible support services responding to the clients, fluctuating needs. The seryices are tailored to each individuals, particular circumstances. Catherfn8 House This new seNice was launched in March 2023 and provides trauma infomed supported accommodation with staff on hand 24t7. This innovative service re¢ognises the impact of trauma and is sensitive to the specific needs of individuals living with trauma and moving towards independent living. In the year 27 individual women have been able to avail of this seNice with 12 making planned move on's to more permanent accommodation and 10 remaining in service. Moblle Health Unit The mobile health unit is now in its third year of operation and provides 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 wtth the Health Trusts the provision includes critical vaccination services and primary health care needs. The unit operates 5 days per week and visits an average of 8 locations each day. providing heatth care to 22 individuals per day. To conclude the review of services we also note that our staff are trained to administer Naloxone which is an evidence-based intervention that can save lives 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 reducing drug-related deaths. This year across the services. our staff administered Naloxone on 181 occasions.
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 PRINCIPLE FUNDING SOURCES Financial review Against the backdrop of finite resources and insecurities within the sector in relation to fijnding and lack of political stability it can be difficult to plan or develop services. Neverthele5S. the charity invested in training and infrastructure improvements throughout the year which has strengthened the overall ability to meet both compliance and increasing needs of service users into the future. Recurrent funding Services are primarily funded by the Housing Executive's Hom8lessness and Supporting People programmes by way of grant and contract income from Northem Ir81and Housing Executive. Funding {other) Aside from recurrenl funding we continue to generate income through fund raising activities and charitable donations. Our Charity of the Year partnership with Mortgage IQ has been very successful raising over £25,000 across various 8vents. Other notable fundraising efforts the charity would like to acknowledge and thank include Lunn's Jewellers {£2,514) and the Nl Human Rights Commission staff team (£1350). Seven people took part in our Belfast caSe Abseil raising a total of £985. As we seek to further develop our services the charity will continue to seek to diversify funding sources. Designated Reserves To make a judgment on the level of reserve ndS required. the Board consider the risks in respect of expendilure, unrestricted income and where appropriate restricted in¢ome 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 Identification approach. Also taken into consideration are any extemal potential major risks to income and expenditure during the year. Designated reserves therefore reflect areas outlined in the Organisations Risk Register which is maintsined to ensure identified risks are mitigated for and managed appropriately.
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conflnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 The Organisation has adopted a policy to 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 regularly as part of the business planning and included in financial reporting at regular Board meetings. In this financial year it was agreed to use reserves to support organisational growth and specifically used lo purchase a vehicle for the Oulreach Service, substantive upgrade the IT infrastruclure and to deliver a robust training plan for all staff and the production of a new Staff Handbook. Risk 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 least annually. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal Control Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Policies and proGedures are in place lo ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, Clients and visitors services. Procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity. In the year all organisational policies were reviewed and a new Staff Handbook developed to provide guidance and detail on all policies and procedures. Charltable Status The Organisation Continues to be registered as a charity with the Northern Ireland Charities Commission and evidenced compliance standards.
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) {eontlnuèd) Year ended 31 March 2024 Directors. responsibllities statement The directors, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the directors, report and the finanGial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 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 stale of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP. make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent., prepare the financial statements on Ihe going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business. The directors are responsible for keeping ad8quat8 accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disGlose with reasonable accuracy 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. 10-
The Welcome Organisation Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Auditor Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this report confirms that.. so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditor is unaware., and they have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a director to make themselves awar8 of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The auditor is deemed to hav8 been re-appointed in accordance with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006. Small company provisions This report has been prepared in ac¢ordanc8 With the provisions applicable to ¢ompani8s entitled to the small companies exemption. The directors, annual report was approved on 24 od0r 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of twstees by.. Mr J Whyte Director 11