STANTON HEALTHCARE BELFAST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Year Ended 31 March 2024
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees present the Annual Report including the Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Stanton Healthcare Belfast for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document and Constitution of the Charity
The charity is governed by its Constitution adopted on 26 October 2016.
Recruitment and Appointment
The Executive Committee have the right to approve applications for membership and for good and sufficient reason, to terminate the membership of any member provided that the member concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Executive Committee before a final decision is made.
Trustees
The Trustees who served Stanton Healthcare Belfast during the year are detailed on page 1.
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the charity are:
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The advancement of education of young people, without distinction of marital status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, political, religious or other opinion, within Northern Ireland in:
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i. Matters of sexual health, responsibility in regard to sexual behaviour and inter-personal relationships, and;
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ii. The humanity and intrinsic and inalienable value and dignity of the unborn child which ground his or her right to life.
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The advancement of the health of young people and women of any age facing a ‘crisis pregnancy’ by providing advice, counselling, guidance and support at no cost with regard to the subject of pregnancy and the health of the unborn child, with the object of promoting their physical, emotional and mental well-being and contributing to their development as individuals and members of society.
In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries.
Achievements, Performance and Public Benefit
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to the charity’s objectives:-
- a) Provide or secure the provision of advice, counselling and information and refer those in need of professional advice and assistance to the relevant bodies;
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STANTON HEALTHCARE BELFAST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Cont’d)
Year Ended 31 March 2024
Achievements, Performance and Public Benefit (Cont’d)
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b) Co-operate to such an extent as may be necessary with voluntary and statutory agencies and the inhabitants of the area of benefit;
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c) Affiliate to other organisations with similar charitable objects;
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d) Write, print, publish and distribute pamphlets, newsletters, books, posters, sound and visual recordings, films and communications in any form, as shall further the objects of the Association;
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e) Promote or carry out, or assist in carrying out, research, surveys and investigations and publish useful results thereof;
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f) Purchase, take, lease or exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any property and any rights and privileges necessary for the attainment of the objects of Association and construct, maintain and alter any buildings and equip premises and facilities so necessary as foresaid;
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g) Organise or assist in organising classes, workshops, training courses, meetings, exhibitions, events and activities consistent with the objects of the Association;
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h) Recruit, train and employ volunteers with relevant skills; i) Employ staff;
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j) Raise funds and invite or receive contributions from any person or persons whatsoever by way of subscription, donation or otherwise;
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k) Establish and support any charitable association or body to subscribe or guarantee money for the charitable objects of the Association; and
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l) Do all such other lawful things as may be necessary to the attainment of the above objects.
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year:-
Throughout the past year, Stanton has continued to provide Mother and Baby packs to all the families who needed them. In addition, to the essential packs, we supplied prams, cots, cribs, formula milk and nappies from our donated stock. All suppliers were generously provided through donations from our partners. Also, out needy mums were happy to receive knitted items, including blankets, cardigans, hats and mittens, which were donated by our dedicated supporters. These contributions are greatly appreciated by the women and families we serve. We also provided ‘Home Outreach care packages’ for a number of vulnerable mothers whose babies were being monitored by Social Services due to drug related issues. Our Volunteers made weekly visits to these clients, reporting directly to their Social workers. These care packages remained in place for as long as necessary. Thanks to Stanton’s commitment, a number of these mothers have successfully regained custody of their babies and continue to manage well.
Additionally, we continue to be approached by women who initially came to us but later decided to have an abortion. In such cases, we provide assistance through out network of post-abortion support services.
Community and charitable partnerships
We maintain strong relationships with the charities we collaborated with last year. St. Michael’s Parish in Belfast conducted a community collection, providing much-needed baby supplies. This generous donation replenished our stock of babygros, nappies, blankets and other essential baby items.
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STANTON HEALTHCARE BELFAST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Cont’d)
Year Ended 31 March 2024
Achievements, Performance and Public Benefit (Cont’d)
Our partnership with the Romanian community has also strengthened, with them graciously accepting our unused items to support their clients. Belfast Central Mission once again provided Christmas gifts for our clients’ children, a tremendous help during these financially challenging times.
Client advocacy and support
This year, Stanton advocated for several clients in areas such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and visa applications. We also provided research and information for clients with limited English proficiency. One notable success was a fundraiser for an Indian family who struggled with the cost of visa applications. Their unplanned pregnancy caused significant distress, but through Stanton’s intervention and the generous support of our donors, we did a fundraiser which helped cover their visa costs. They are now the proud parents of a healthy baby boy. We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to helping this family.
Team growth and development
We are pleased to welcome a new volunteer sonographer, who recently completed her training and is now providing ultrasound scans to out clients. Her commitment to our work is deeply appreciated. We also welcome a new pregnancy adviser who has successfully completed her training and is now ready to meet with clients.
Fundraising and office relocation
Throughout the year, we held three coffee information mornings in Belfast, Hannahstown and Armagh, which raised essential funds for our work. Additionally, with the help of dedicated volunteers we organised church gate collections in Derry and Belfast.
Due to the redevelopment of our current offices, we are actively seeking new office space in Belfast. Our finance committee remains enthusiastic and committed to raising the necessary funds in the coming year to support our vital services.
Financial Review
The results for the period are set out in detail on pages 8 to 10. The charity returned net receipts of £115,552 (2023 – £12,109).
At 31 March 2024, the charity had a surplus of £162,370 (2023 – £46,818) in unrestricted funds after accounting for unpaid liabilities.
The charity is not currently operating a reserves policy; monetary funds are directly applied to the objectives and activities of the Association. A reserve policy will be reviewed bi-annually.
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STANTON HEALTHCARE BELFAST TRUSTEES, REPORT (Cont'dl Year Ended 31 March 2024 Golng Concern The Trustees of Stanton Healthcare Belfast believe the success of the objectives of the Charity and ongoing fundraising throughout the year will add greatly lo income. Stanton will presenl more information coffee momings over the coming year, to spread knowledge of the work they do. The Trustees are confident in the continualion of the Charily over the next financial year. Signed on behalf of the Trustees MRS B HEALY DRAM LOSKEY Date: 19-1- 1015