Charlty Reglstratlon No. NIC104639 Company R•glstratlon No. N10345951Northom Ireland) ASHTON COMMUNfTY TRUST GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ASHTON COMMUNITYTRUST LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Ms N Collln3 Mr M Mullan Mr S Pollard M8 K Murphy MrJ Loughran Mr J O'Hagan {Appoint•d 25 April 2024) {Appointad 25Aprll 2024) S•¢r•tary Mrs C Rea Chrfty numbgr NIC104639 Company number N1034595 Reglst•rnd offic• Ashton Centre 5 Churchill Street Belfast 8T15 2BP Audltor GMCG BELFAST Chartered Accountant8 & StatutoryAudltor Alfred House 19 Alfred Slrast Belfast BT2 8EQ Banker• AIB 11-15 Donegall Square North Belfast BT15GB 8ollcitors Worthlngtons 24-38 Gordon Street Belfast BT12LG
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST CONTENTS Paga Tru8tees' report 1-17 Independ8nt auditofs report 19-24 Group $tatemant of financlal actlvltles 24-25 Group balance sheat 26 Charlty balance sheet 27 Group slatement of $h flows 28 Notes to tha financi81 $tat•mont8 29-46
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The tru8e$ present their annual report and financlal siatements for the group for year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statemants hav8 bean pr8par8d In ac(x>rdanc8 wllh th8 accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statamont$ and comply wlih the charlty's Memorandum and Artl¢l8$ of Association th8 Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reportlng by Charltle8: Statement of Recomm8nd8d Practica appllcable to charities preparing thelr accounts In accordance wlth the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ir81and IFRS 102) (8ff8Ctlve 1 January 2019)" ObfvctiV68 and activities Ashton Communlty Trust's ob¢1$ are, by asstxlating with statutory authorilios, voluntary and community organ18atlon8 and the Inhabltants of North Belfast, lo.. advance community dev8lopm8nt by providing facilitles and amenStles for and 8UPPOrt and assistance to communlty and voluntary groups and organisations: athan health and wellbeing; relieve povety. athance education", r81i8V8 those in n88d ty reason of youth, ag8.111-health. dlsabllity, financlal hardship or other disadvantage., advanc8 th8 arts, cullur8 and heritaga. provide facilitias in the interests of social walfare for racr6alion and other lel8ure time occJJpation$ wlth Ihe objeGt of improving the conditions of life for the residents; and promot8 rellglou8 and taclal harmony, equality and diversty. The trustae8 havo pald due regard to guldonce issued by the Charity Commission for Northam Ireland In deddlng what actlvltles the charlty should undertake.
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (coKfiNUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 A¢hlevomonts and porfomiance The following highlights 80me of the achlevement8 of the 2023-2024 finandal year. Tralnlng and Employm•nt S•rvlc88 Durfng the year Ashton Tralnlng and Employmenl Serv[8 department dellvered the Connect Project in conjunction wllh OUT 4 'Belfast Works, pather organisations (East Belfast M1881on, GEMS Nl, Impact Training and Upper Sprlngfleld D8velopm8nt Trusl). Funded through th8 UK Shared Prosperity Fund Ihis projeci supports P8opI8 who are economically inactiva. Many of thosa supportad will have been inactive for a long tima. Belfasl Works Connect offers a wide variety of training courses developed to appeal to tho88 furthe8t removed from th8 labour mark8t. The cours8s rang8 from OCN Lavel 1 qualifications in Social M8dia, Approaches to Wellbeing & Fitn8SS, to vocallonal tralnlng Such as Countsrt>alanc8 Forkllft Iic8nc8s and L8vel 3 NFCE Classroorn Assistant awards. Our alm Is to encourage, Insplre & empower our cllents lo reallse th&lr potentlal through active participation in a p8r8onuntred, wrap-around 8UPPOrt nelworL In addillon to the tralnlng course8, addltlonal fundlng Is avallable to cover Such thlng8 as th8 costs of childeara while attendlng tralnlng, transportation cost8, workwear and necessary equlpment. Through fundlng from the Department of Communltle8 an 'E88entlal Sk1118' (Engllsh, Maths and ICT) programme wa8 also able to be provlded to local Indlvlduals by dedlcated tutor8. Chlldcare and Famlty Support ServlGOS Klnd•rklds Day¢arn Tho 2023-2024 yèar was an 8xlrem8ly busy ona for lfjnd8rkids Daycarè. Icinderkids WApanded the out-of-school offering, opening an additional out-of-school provision at th8 Cliftonville Road location. Throughout the year Kinderkid6 focused on developing a child4entered, play-bas8d curriculum with an empha81$ on promoling social and emotional developmanl, communication, and languagè skills. Building on the work from the prevlous year related to the Solihull approach, staff training Continued wllh all staff m8mb8rs now trained in thé approach. Efforts are ongoing lo integrate thls approach into Kinderf(Ids' dally pradices. Kinderkids also follows a trauma-lnformed approach lo practlce, and staff tralnlng in thls area has conllnued as well. In thè ygar, 373 chlldron attended KInd•id8 daycare, enabllng 293 parents to enter or remain in employmant. Additionally, 46 chlldren deemed 'at risk, were offered childcare places to support them and thelr families. Throughout the y8ar Klnd8rklds remalned an actlv8 member of th8 Departm8nt of Educatlon's Stakeholder Engagem8nl Forum. The Childcare and Family Support Semces department played an active role in the design of the Early Leaming and Childcare Stratsgy and Jolntly establlshed a Community Daycare Network. The Community D8ycar8 Nelwork is o)IlectiV6 of commun5ty-based daycare providers In Northern Iroland, operatlng on a not-for-profit basis. This NeOrk has been and will Continue to lobby for reform and investment in the Early Years sector across Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis on supporling children and families living in disadvanlage, ensurlng Ihat their needs 8re highlight8d as part ofth8 new Early Leaming and Childcare Strategy.
ASHTON COMMUNITYTRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Famllysupport Hub The Low8r North Belfast Famity Support Hub continuod to provid8 8arly int8N8ntlon 88tvlce8 for familias and young peop16 requiring support. The Hub brings togethar organisations that dellver early Intervention Sa1c8S to children and young people from 18 years old and theSr parents or carers. The Hub Includ8s community. statutory and voluntary famlly support 8ervlce8. The Hub rnemb8rship stands at 71 Indlvldual mambors who aro able to provlde early int8r¥8ntion services to any Tler 2 famlllos that hava been referred. Durfng th18 perlod the maln source of referral was communlty referrals, dosely followed by Schools and 8elf- referrals. Durln9 the year the Hub processed 374 refarrals, significantly above th8 B81f8St H8alth and Social Care Tru81 contracted amount of 144. The most requ8Sted sarvice during this time (axcluding ffinanclal Bupport) was one- to-one family support at home, particularly for primary-school thildran displaying amotlonal. 8oclal or behavioural chalenges, with over one-third of referrals MIng from the58 families. Bth8en January and March there wa8 also an Increasing demand for financlal support and the Belfast Hub n6Ork was ab18 to secure funding of £15,900 from Balfast City Council which then 8UPPOrted 164 famllles wlth sup8rmarkat vouchgrs. Duting thi5 tirne Beffast Health & Social Care Trust continued to provide fre8 tralnlng to Hub mefflbers which induded Understanding Autism Sp8ctrum Disordar through Virtual Real, LGBTQ awarenes5 training, Undarstanding Challenging Behaviour and Vape awarene$s training. Earfy Int•Thentlon Famlly Support Sorvke Th18 Belfast Ch8ritsble Society funded project has now completad its fourth yaar. Two Family Support Workers have been employed to provide one-to-one home visiting 8UPPOrt to approximat8ty 80 families who have been referred through the North Belfast Family Support Hubs. During tha past financlal yoar 86 famllle6 b6neffted from 1-1 famlly support, comprlslng 79 parents and 121 chlldran. This visytation seNice is aimed al Improvlng family relatlons, enhancing famlly fundionality and increasing family r8sili8nc8. Th8 t8arn also continued to advocat8 on b8half of fam1118s wlih schools and the Education Authority, as W811 as health prof8ssionals. During this time th8r8 has b88n a mark8d increas8 In the number of famili85 asking for support in cornpleting parental requests for both 8ducalional psychology as$essment$ and ASD assessments. Both team members are experien1 in this field and so were able to support familles to get the most of their child's Jouiney through education. Thls Famlly Support Servic8 has enhanced the work of the Family Support Hubs in North Belfast, who had prevlousty IdenlSfied that a home visitation famity support was a gap in its offering of services to familles. H•alth •nd W•llbeing Swvl¢•$ f8rfd OfHopoJ As the beginning of the year approached, the department lobbied various stakeholders to ensure the continued delivery of the Community Navigator 'Pink T-shirv project in the Royal Victoria Hospital's Accidenl & Emergency Department. In partnership with Start 380 and Belfast Health & Social Cara Trust th8ms81ves. th18 pllot continued to prode support to patients in emotional and situational crisis. Due to th8 exceptional work undertaken by our Communlty Navlgators we were able to secure the ongoing delivery of the pilot and build on ihe sucsSeS of the previous 16 months, allowing us to provld8 Communlty Navigation support to 2,188 unique individuals, 3,058 tlmes in th8 financial year. As well as this. our Community Navigators also supported the Trust's M8ntal H8alth tsam wilh 1,793 hours of observation for patients needing this level of help. During th8 year. the team continued to provide the highest quality of health and w811-being 5UPPOrt to Indivlduals impacted by suicidg and self-harm, by poor mental health and emollonal well-being and thos8 impact8d by th8 conflict. Throughout the year social support funding allowed the departmenl to support 511 victims and sU1VOrS, giving Ihem the opportuniiy to engage In a wlde range of 49 programmes. These proved to be both popular. and on the basis offeedback received, hugely successful.
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Health and W•llbolng Servlces (Brldg• OIHopa) (conllnued) We also saw 24 victims and surviv8 ongage In our CT accr8dited Irdining programmes in Themial Aurlcular Therapy, Swedish Body Massage and Reflexology. During th8 year th8 department further supported 1.268 individuals through the delivery of 5,405 complemenlary therapy sessions. In addltlon, 1,5518ervlce users engaged in our BACP accredlted couns811ing servica, dellvered bolh fac8-tO-face and vla telephone, receiving 4.078 sessions of on&tO-one 8UPPOrt. This blandad approach to servica delivary allowed hard-to-reach individuals to engage with the Sorvlces offered. In January 2024 tha Victims, Payments Board ¢arrled out a mark8ting campalqn for Ihe Troubles Pennanent Dlsablement Payment Schame, deliverlng a leaflet to every house across tha North. Th18 impactad gr8ally wlth the Pension INelfare Officers seeing a huge Increase in demand for support from vlctlms and survivors to complele and submit th8ir application8 to the Scheme. The team supported 619 individuals thls year in the gubmlsslon of their applications. The Health and Wellbelng Caseworker8 continued their work supporting vlctlms and survivors by off8rlng wellbelng 8UPPOti to 418 individuals and enabllng them to access services to h8lp improve their health and wellbelng. Durlng the ygar tha dopartmant contlnued to work in partnership wilh both statutory and community partners as part of Iha Regronal Trauma Network. Th18 network allows us to maka onward referrals for victim8 and 8urvlvor8 requlrlng longer temi psychological therapy. As part of our commitment to ensure th6 high8st quallty 8eNlcA to Indlvlduals seeklng support we successfully renowed our Cyber Security Plus C8rtification and our accrodilatlon for our BACP Counselling Servlce in th8 year and wlll Gonllnue to ensure Ihese quality certification8 are secured golng forward. Youth & Art% Progrnmmv The Youth Cenlre facilitat83 need3*a8ed youth provision for young pooplo aged 5-18 every Monday to Saturday nlght. A wlde-rang8 of programm89 wore run throughout the year, Some of which are dèscribed below.. Champlon8 for Change - Our C4C project began In Aprll 2023 and during th8 year worked with ovor 100 young people in differenl settings including internatlonal work, group work, 1-1 mentorlng, events and social actlon work. This project has championed young people a8 young 18ad8rs within thelr community. The prolect 58 worklng In partneTrhip with schoo15, 174 Disabllity Project and Mountcolly8r Youth Club. Engag• - This project worffs th bthe8n 80-70 young p8ople on a weekly basis in the New Lodge and Ardoyne areas, challenglng and supporting young p8op18 who ar8 en98ging in risk-taking b8havlours. This project has been vital In supporting young people involved in the youth justice system, social 88rvices and thos8 who are not attendlng fomial education. All moderalion visits from Education Authority have resulted in 8n 'Outstanding' grade for this project. Key aspects of Ihis work ar8 fadlltated In New Lodge and Ardoyne Youlh Clubs, schools and on an outreach I detached basis. 1-1 support has been a great success In a85iSting young people to overcome many barrler8 to bettering th8ms8lvas. Social Action Work - During this period, young p8opI8 compleled 15 social action projects in the New Lodge communily. These included communily dean ups. online camp8igns, ChtiStmas 8vents for both young people with disabilltles and pensioners, a Christmas Appeal drlve as well as in-centre event8. During the summer period, prior to th8 senior summer scheme, senior members participated in a weeklong volunteer week giving back to the community. Qualiflcations & Accrodltatlon5 - During the year four courses were provided for young people. Young peop18 participated in OCN Level 2 cour5e8 including youth leadershlp, mentoring and peer mentoring.
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORn IcoKriNUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Youth & Arts Prngrammo8 {Gontlnued) Oulroach l Datach•d Work- Througho(rt th8 year young people were supported wlth 8ignposting, by the dellvery of detached projects in partnershlp wlth nelghbouring youth organisatlon8. by running d8tach8d initiatives during contentious perlods such as 12th July and 8th ofAugust. Our youth bvork8rs 8ngag8 wlth young people on at least 3 nlghts per week. Pjlentorlng 80 young people w8r8 SUPPOrt8d in a one-to-one capaclty, which included developing reslllence. how to deal wlth Issu88, signposting and upskllllng. Manchestsr Project- Our Manthester project entalled 12 young woman from the communlty participating Sn a project focusing on choices and cons8quence8. Thls project concludad with a vlslt to Manthester where the young p8opI8 ViSit8d youth and health and wellbelng organisations. Borlln Projoct - 14 young poople from the centre participated in 8 yèar4ong proi8Ct focusing on stereotypes, leadership and communlty whlch finished with a visit to Berlin. Romanla Projoct - In March 2024, 14 young people from New Lodge YC and Ardoyne YC travelled to Romania aftèr year-long preparatlon on the Romania Project. Th8 young p80ple worked with groups Sn Belfast such as disability projects, homaless proj8Cts and within their organSsaUons to pr8pare for th81r v185t. Vvhilst in Romania the young people worked wilh young people in care, local students, family homas and a disability project. Schools Work - During the year tho Youth Contro team facllltated sdbools projocts in partnershlp wlth St. PatrIc8 Ptlmary School. Blessed Trinity College, Edmund RIC8 College and Glenveagh Sch¢)ol. This projeci focu8ed on the personal and sooial development of all IO0+ young people involved. F.BUC Proj•ct- Our T:BUC projeci wilh Mountcollyer Youth Contra Included 20 young paople from New Lodge and Tlgers Bay partldpating on a group work programm8 finlshlng wlth a residential in Nowca8tle. This continu8d the ongolng Good Relatlons work of the centre. UU Celebratlon - Our young people celebrated in a night of awards in Ulster Unlver8ity with the Childr8n's Commi55ioner, local representatives and UIBter University lecturers in attendance along with family members. Drop4n- Our drop-in s8Nice is open 8 night8 per week eng8ging with ovar 100 young people on a weekly bas13. Thls service provides young pgople with safety, activIe8, role models and food whlch is now a ma8slv8 need. NewLodgeArtg New Lodge Arts contlnued to strengthen and develop their annual arts programme, offering a diverse range of inltialivas for p80pl8 across north Belfast. These progr8mm8s Ixjntinue to enrlch the Ilve5 of participants, helplng them to grow and devalop. to reduce igolatlon and encourages them to b8coma active citizens withln Ihelr community. S0rn6 of the programm8S that took place during the year Included- ArtsAcademy In the past year 19 we8kly class8s were delivered to 8 lotal of to 250 participants. The programme induded a range of ¢r2ative actbvities induding guitar lessons, craft classes, drawing classes. drama. hlp hop. ballet. visual art8 and youlh Iheatre. The Arts Academy a150 provides perfonnance opportunities throughout the year. giving participants an opportunity to share what they have leamed.
ASHTON COMMUNITYTRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORTI (CONTINUED) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Bulld Posttlve Change Funded by the D8partmant of Forelgn Affalrs, young people from New Lodge Arls and YWC participated in sevaral workshjps lo d8sign and bulld a portable pod that wlll be used to record local peoples, experiences. Summer Progrnmm• Calerlng to 3 different age groups - Tinys, Junior, and Senior - the Summer Drama Camps welcomed ov8r 50 chlldr8n, each brSnging their unique talents and passion for the perfomlng arts. From budding actors to futur8 Broadway 8tar8. these camp5 have nurtUl8d young ts18nt and provided an exceptional platform for creativity and 8elf-gxpr8ssion. The Tiny6 Camp, in partnership wlth C21 Theatre Company, was a fantastic show¢a80 of young talent with th8 theme of Backwards Fairytal8s, sh¢)w¢ased In a memorable performance at Girdwood Community Hub. Tha Junlor Camp d81iv8r8d a heart-wamilng and memorable production ol th8 beloved mu8Scal 'Annie' at the North Queen Streat Community Centra whlle the Senlor Camp dazzl8d audi8nc8S With Ihreo sold-out shows of 'The Llttle Memaid, atThe MAC. TheAgeney This project, in partnarshlp wlth Battersea Arts Cantre (London). Contact Theatre (Manchastsr), Storyhou8e (Chaster) and Enorglze Me (Southampton) supports young paople aged 1&25 a8 soclal antrepreneur6, bemIng crealive18aders and catalysts for change in their communitias. North Beffast Lantern Festlval The North Bèlfasl Lantarn F6sllval's famlly fun day succ8ssfiJlly unfold8d amld8t challenging weather condltbn8, attracting approximatety 500 people. Hald In Alexandra Park, the event featurad a dSverse array of activlties. Induding arts and crafts, games. muslc, dandng, and Ilva p8rformance5, creating a vlbrant and engaging atmosphere for attendè8s of all ag88. Th8 f8Stlval also showcased its commitmont to community engagement through an outreach programm8 that involved over 20 local groups and schoo15, fostering a Sense of unity and collaboration. Now LodgeArts Chrlstmas Panto This year. Naw Lodge Art8 pSented a fabulous production of "Snow VK+hlte and the Black Forest Gateau," a delightful twist on the cla8slc falry tsle, writt8n by Maire Campball and adaptod by the tslented D8bra Hill. From the 121h to the 14th of December at Boy8 Model School, this Panto provided a maglcal experienc8 filled with laughter and y. Communlty Development The Belfast Cty Council Capaclty Building Grant has allowed us to conlinue to devglop the community capacity (gkllb, knowledge and confid8nc8) of local indivlduals and groups through the development of volunteer support servl¢es, the Communily Empowemiant Partnarship, tha community magazin8 and a range of engagernent opportunltie6. The work undertaken in 2023-2024 has expanded to recognise th8 increasad dlverslty within the Gr8aler New Lodge community. N8ighbourtJood Renewal as a government policy 18 currently und8rgoing a revi8w. Durlng the past year Ashton. as chair of the Inner North Noighbourhood Rgngwal partnership, has undertaken a slgnlficant ro18 in shaping th8 review b8ing undertaken by the Department of Communities to ensure antrpoverty resources continu8 to bo targeled to areas of most n8ad. Ashton hav8 worked with the groups contracted to deliv8r services in the Inner North NeSghbourhood Renewal ar8a to ansura thair oxcellent work is maintained and sustain8d as we go foard. The 'Maklng a Successful Clty Nelghbourhood - Created by Evoryong, project came to an end in November 2023, Th8 community d8velopm8nt work undertaken during this tim8-bound proj8Ct whlch supported local residents in Iheir engagement with the significant capStal Infrastrudure devalopm8nts of th8 Ulster University, York Road Railway Station and the York Streel Interchange was considered an exceptional modal of best practice by stak&holder8. including the National Lott8ry Community Fund who funded the projecL
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Prolacls Communlll•s In Trnnsl¢lon- H1th & Wallbelng Phase 2 Year 3 of thg Communities in Transltlon (CID Health and Wellbeing programmo for the North Balfast CIT area of New Lodge and Ardoyne delivered a range of actlvltle8 from Juty 2023 to March 2024 aimed at addressing local health and w811b8ing n88ds. Led by Ashton Communlty Trust, the programma inv8Stad in 14 approved proposals across thr88 broad area8: Activities to Addre88 Local Needs; Ar8a-basad Health and Wallbeing InlaNentlons,' and Haalth and Wellbeing Training Inltlatlves. Thé programme successfully r8cruit8d 691 participants across 128 dellvered 6&85ions I workshops as part of these 14 projects. Evaluation faedback was highly positiv6, with partlclpants appreciating th8 r818vant content, practical tool8, 8UPPOrtive environmenl, and knowl6dgeable facllllator8 across the activities. Kay outcomes allgn8d w5th th8 broad8r CIT obJ8ctlves whlch Included increased communlty engaoemant and a wllllngn98S to acc8SS SUPPOrt, str8ngth8ned local n8tworks and volce, enhanced skills among practitioners, stronger connedlons with wider support r•sourc88, and promotlon of empowemant-focuséd attltudes to address d8pendency cycles. Naw partnerships with regional organisations 8uch as Women'8 Ald provided specialised experiise to help respond to rfslng ratas of domestic violence whilst the appolntment of local organisalions like the Ardoyne Association helped to accelerata programme ImpaGt at the point of need. The delivery model 81s0 drew on deslgn and d811v8ry Input from Indlvlduals working in communlty-b88ed organisations or existlng prolecl$ located across both New Lodge and Ardoyne Includlng.. Ardoyne A$sociallon,' New Lodge Youth Club,, Ardoyne Youth Club; New Lodge Art8. Marrowbon6,' Duncairn Healthy Living Centre,. Reach Out Nl; LoVr North Belfast Famlly Support Hub; Women'6 Aid; Parenl Nl and Bridge of Hope. The use of a broad cross-section of local partner8 8UPPOrted a programme of activit188 that were relevant and conneded w811 with the needs, interesls, and capabllltles of recruited participants, 8gp6clally targeted groups such as vulnerable women or young people with leaming dl3abllitie8. This configuration, as wlth the previous work, holpod to 8UPPOrt a healthy attrition rate but also 8nsured that tsdt knowledge and key 8kllls were leveraged to addr8s$ the different need areas across the CIT community. The funded acllvltles were 8hown to be highly relevanl to the participani8' needs, hglping Ihem reflect on personal issues, particularly deallng wlth past or ongoing trauma. as well as explorfng ways to protnote self-care or other relevant coping strategias for them8elves or oth8rs. Attending the programme was consldered an effective and worthwhile use of time by most partiC4pants. The 8ty1e, pacè, content. d81iv8ry m8thods, and materfals used by programme staff and facilitators were deemed approprlate and well-rec8ived by the participants, especlally the welcoming and supportiv8 almosphere that was developed during the sessions. Overall CIT participants frorn phase 2 year 3 were hlghly Ilkely to recommend the programme to their friends and family. expressing gr81itude and 8ppraciation for th8 8XP8rience. The wrltten evalualion responses demonstrate an impactful programme that has provided valuable insights, practical tools and a 8UPPOrtIV8 8nvironment lo advance individual and ¢ommunlty-based health and wellbeing outcomes. Women's Group Over the course of the year Ashton Women's Group engaged in vartous workshop5, activities and engag8m8nts that wer8 linked to their social, ment81, emotional and physical health, building their confidence and empowering them to become strong leaders wlthin thair community. Our recent evalualion of the pr8vious cohort confimied that when women are ernpowered they are more likely to invest In their familias and communiti8s. particularly in the education and wellb8ing of chlldren. This has a long- temi positive impact on future generalions, helping to reduce poverty and improve overall societal w811being.
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 PaARCH 2024 Women's Group (Contlnued) AEthough Ihls area of work Is no longer fund8d, Ashton was k88n to contlnue to Inve51 in this programme because of Ihe benefits to the woman, their families and thair communlties. During the y8ar the group completed the following courses and workshops.: W(Jmen in Leadershlp Cour8e whlch addressed subjects such as: Und8r8tanding what is meant by a feminist approach to leader8hlp; Undorstandlng key188ue$ around gender equality and Inter88Ctlonallty." Models of behavlour change- po8ltlve reframe and intersectlonalSty,' and Goal sottlng and16ader8hlp A Beries of workshops focuslng on Mental I Physlcal l Emotional Wellbeing: Menopause Workshops - signs and symptoms of menopause and how to ask for help, advice and support 8ervlces; Creallv5ty Workshop5 such as Dlamond Ar( Lantem MakSng, Path Making. Jewellery Making and PaintSng wlth Water Colours: and Ben8flts Advlce and Money Management A 8erie8 of W0$hOp9 focuslng on Mlndfulno88: AurlGular acupunclure., Attamativa Iheraplo8 to roset, encourage degp sleep and positiv8 mind8', Tapping tschnlques and meditailon; Managlng stress., Rellght Your Flame, personal confFdence and self-esteem; and Lov8 Yoursglf, Heal Your Lifa. Each of thesa èlements of learning, training and engagem8nt had a dlrect learning oulcome for the group as wall as individual learning outcomes. The group have sUPPOrted each other's journey of empowerrnent and have gained emotlonal support, fri8ndshlp8, shared experienc8s, practical advice. confid8nc8 and a sense of reconnecting with thelr community. 'The Pantrf So¢l41 Supemiarket 'The P8ntry', OP8ratlng on the Boclal 8upemiarket concepl. continued Ils work In the year 2023-24, In Mah 2024, Ihe fyvo-year Sustaining Tenancy Fundlng, supported by the Northern Ireland Hou8lng Executive, cam8 to an end, durfng which all Project Outme5 were achleved. The Pantry programme was highty SUCssful and was an asset to the F8mily Support services offered at the Ashton Centre. Moreover, invesfm6nt from Bolfast City Coun¢ll supported the purchas8 and restocking of th8 soclal supemiarket until March 2024. In the past year, 85 families engaged with The Pantry. conslstSng of 269 individuals who wer6 provlded with food weekly for a p8rlod of 12 weeks. Out of the 85 families, 70 addltlonally re]Ve income maximisatlon advice. and 18 received debt advice. Additionally, 38 families participa18d in Training and Employment programmes, with a further 15 individuals entering into volunteering.
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) IcoKfiNUED) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Communlty Frldge The Community Frldge at thè Ashton Contra contlnued to operate throughout th8 yaar. It is OP8n between Tuesday and Thursday. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. wllh the peak aGtlvlty around 9 a.m. Th8ro wero 2.125 Individual visits to th8 Community fridge in total for the year. As w811 as visiting to access fr60 food. many also vlslt to seek advice and support from A8hton staff. The Comrnunty Fridge aims to prevent food wastage by redSstributing it to those in need. Ashton cA)ntinues to collaborate wilh Lidl, who donate I(d 88veral tlm88 a week. During the year 10.106 kg of food was repurposed. wh5ch is roughty equivalent to 24,000 m8al8. P•nslonerJ Frlondshlp Group In thg yèar Ih8r8 were 19 meeting8 of th8 Pon81on8rs Frlendshlp Group. The majorlty of the meetings and aclivmles werg funded by Hubbub, which Is Ilnked to the Communlty Fridge. Th8 group m88ts on a Tuesday afternoon at Ashton Centre and is comprlsed of women from North Belfast who com8 tog8ther to combat social isolation. In the pa31 year, activilies included the luncheon club, day trip8, theatre shows, bingo 8088lon8 end creativa workshop8 such as flower arranging and candlg maklng. Flnancknl rovlgw Overall net expenditure for the year was £302.913 after accounting for a provision of £127.457 In relatlon to 8 clalm agalnst the charity. Excluding this exceptional cost, the nel expenditure for the year was £175,456 (2023 £145.078). Unrestrlcted funds decr8asad by £254,799 and re8trlcted funds fell by £48,114. Income from charStable aGtivitl88 Ivas £4,762,258, 97% of tho total Income of £4,906,097. Of Ihls lotal £2.169.203 {44%) came from unrestrlcted source5 wilh £2.736,894 coming from restrlclad $ourc85. Training & Employment Services contributed 015% 01 the incom8 from charltable actlvitles. The majorlty of Ihis funding related to the Connect project which received funding from tho UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Connect project was delivered in partnership with East Belfast Mission, GEMS, Impact Tralnlng and tha lead partner Upper Springfi8ld D8v81opm8nt Trust. Funding was also received from the Department for Communit185 for Essontial Sk1118 training (English. Maths and ICT). Childcar8 & Family Support servIs conlrlbuted c.30/0 of the incoffle from charitabla activlile8. Of this 92% relates to the Kinderkids Daycar8. lfjnd8rkids aims to provlde afft)rdable day care provision whlch breaks-even from a flnancial perspectiv8. This is only possib18 8ach y8ar due to two grants recelved by Klnderkld8, one frorn Ihe Departmenl for Communities (c. £113k) and ona from tha Pathway Fund (£30k). The Lower North Belfast Family Support Hub is managed by Ashton (wllh funding received from Belfast Health & SoLial Care Trust). During Ihe year funding continued to b8 recaived from B8lfast Charitable So¢fjety allowing the Early Intervention F8nily Support Programme to continue. This programme fund5 part-tirne staff to support familias and also contribul8S towards the costs of school unifo8 and allows vouchers to be distrlbuted lo families in need. Viclims and Mental Health Services ¢onlribute c.31 % of the income from charitable aclivitles. Approximately 460A of this funding is received from the Victims and Survivors SeNl¢e. This 15 a multi-year grant whlch Includes an elemenl of Pea IV funding covering th8 Staff costs of Iwo caseworkers. During the year the pilol 'Plnk T-shirt, project continued and expanded. providing Navigation and obs@allon support $enJicés to B81fast Health & Social Care Trusl in the A&E Department of the Royal Wictoria Hospital. Income in r8lation to Youth & Art8 Programme8 exceeded £650k dLJring 2023-2024. This was mainly for the New Lodge YDLlth Club which received numerous grants from the Education Authority. along with additional funding from Belfast City Council and Newington Housing Association. Funding of £90k was recelved from the Communty R8lations Council in relation to the North Belfast Strateglc Good Relations programme.
ASHTON COMMUNrrY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Community D8V8lopment received £128k Income durlng the year. Although a relatiV8ty-mod8St amount, this work Is cenlral to lh8 ethoB of Ashton Communlty Trust. Funding was recelved thls year from the National Lottery Communlty Fund for thè 'Cty N8ighbouthood' project. th8 D8Partm8nt for the Communllles for the Innar North Neighbourhood Renewal project and Belfast City Council for the Capacty Building project. Ashton Community Trust also manages a number projacts. Some of which may ba short-term in natur8. During the yearAshton ran a social sup8rmarket, 'The Pantry,, whlch attracted grant incoma from Nl Housing Executlva to fund ihe Proj8Ct Co-ordinator. Belfa8t Charitabla Soclety for set-up costs and addltional amounis from Trusts & Foundalions as well as Indlvldual donations from the public. for which w8 are partlcularly appreclatlvo. Ov8r £150k wa8 re¢elved from the Executfve Office in relation to th8 Comrnunlties In Transltlon Health & Wellbelng programme. The assodated total expenditure on charftabl8 activiti8s was £5.081,551. Approximately e1'h of these costs relate lo staff costs (in line with many simllar tharltable organisations). S8Nlce dellv8ry wlthln Vlctlms and Mental Health SeNlces 18 rellant on a group of dedicatad $8lfomployed coun8ellors and therapists. A tender exercis8 for the prOS1on of the6e services is carrled out eath year to maintain quallty, ensuring that all thosa d6llverlng servie*s continua to ma81 requlred standards. Capltal expendilure this year was modest, amounting to c. £25.5K £20k on IT and £5.5k on offic8 equlpment and furnSlure. The financlal re8ult8 are set out in detail on pages 24 to 48. Rg8trfct•d fundg Reslrictgd funds aro subject to specffic trusts, ordlnarlty stlpulated by the donor, Grant funding tend8 to be restricted In nature. The tolal of rastricted fund$ ¢arrled forward at the balanGe sheet date is £206,105. Deslgnatod funds Deslgnaled fund5 are tho89 unrestrlded re88rves that have beon allocated for a partlcular purpose by the trustees. The fixed a88et r8sep4e, amounting to £483,087, equates to the net book value of the charlty's tangible fixed a8sets which are used on an Onoing basis to dellver the charlvs alms. Ashlon Communlty Trust have over many years l¢)an8d funds to Ashton Centr8 Dev8lopment Llmlted. These are tre8led as a Programrne-relaled (or social) Inve8tment. The50 investmen18 were mado directly In pursuii of the organisation'g charit8ble purposes. At 31 March 2024 Ihe level of designaled fijnds was £1,270,194. G•noral funds General funds are thoso unrestrlcted fijnds which hav8 not been designated for speclfic purpose5 by the Board. At 31 March 2024 the level of general funds or'free reserves, was £717,932. Golng concern The trustees confim that, In their opinion, the organlsatlon is a going concom. Tha trustees are Satisfied that, should il be necessary, th8 organisation can be duly right-slzed to enable it to contlnue in operational exl8tenc& for Ihe foreseeable future. 10-
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORn (CONTINUED) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Prlnclpal rfJk8 pand unc•rtalntia* The rlsks to which the Gharlty is 8XP088d are a85essed by the Audit and Risk Commlttee throughout Ihe year. The Chair of the Audit and Rlsk Commlttee then presents th8 principal risks to Ihe Board for discussion and agreement on what the response to those rfsk8 should b8. D8p8nding on the clrcumsiance the Board may decide to.. avold the activity dtogelh8r. if th8y judg8 th8 risks to be too hlgh. transfer the risk by taking out insuranc8 cover. develop a respons6 plan to mitigate the effects of an exiemal risk; put conlrols in place to manage some rlsk but ultimately accept a residual risk. R18ks are assessed on both the polentlal Impact to the charity a5 well as the lik61ihood that the risk might happen. Glven tha nature of many ofA8hton's actlvlties. saf8guarding is d88m8d a slgnlflcant risk area. Failure to adequately protect children. young people and vulnerable adults would hava a Serious Impact on Ashton'8 r8PUtation and 8eNice-delivery vlablllty. To mSllgate th18 risk training is provided at all levels, Board, staff and volunta&r$. In addition, iherè ar8 nomlnat8d Safeguarding Officers. Access Nl checks are carrfed out and all government advica and guidanca is followed. There romains a rlsk around funding under Ihe currant buslness modol to ensure long- l8m) sustalnabllity given the impact of factors Outside the organisation's conlrol such as Increa888 In the National Living Wage and the significant incr8as8s in utlllty co8tB. Vere possible costs are minimlsed, and Ashton Conllnues to liaisa wlth fundars over r8- profiling budge18 to cover these unpre¢edent8d incr8as8S. Tho scale and funding of the bu81n83s18 belng negatively imp8Ct8d by tho conlinulng pollllcal instability, prlmarfly at roglonal level. This has cr8at8d a rlsk of 18duced funding opportunities and delays In the emergence of new fundlng opportunltles such as P8ace Plus. Ashton contlnues to engage with a wlde range of stakeholders to en8ble ex18tlng servlces to continue running and to develop work-around8 where necessary. Ashton malntaSns insurance cover consistent with other provlder8 in the sector in which it works and sufficient to meet th& sllpulatlons of funding bodies. Ashton a180 purcha3e8 profe3¥lonal indemnity insurance on behalf of its directors and officers. The trust888 hav8 a8se88ed the major risks to whith the charity 13 exp08ed, and are satisfied that 8y8tems are in placa to mitigat8 8xposur81o the major rf8k8. 11
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) ICONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Plans lor lutur• p•rfods Ashton contlnues to develop partnershlps Ihat wlll benefit Iha North Bewast community. Wtlh regard to servlce d8I'v8ry our key plans are as follows: Tralning andEmployment S•NIcoS Ashton will contlnue to work with its Belfa8t Works partners on the Connect project which is currenlly funded until March 2025. It Is hoped that this fundlng wlll be extended, given the levels of Economic Inactivlty to be addre888d. The department will also continua to dellver ts E$s8ntial Skills programme In Ilne wlth D8partment for Communltle8 requlrements. Chlldcarn and Famlly Support Sorvlc08 The Head of Childcare and Famity Support will continua to be an activ8 m8mb8r on the Department of Education Stakeholder Engagement Forum and support the Implementstion of actions under the n8w Early Learning and Childcar8 Strat8gy. The project will lobby for addlllonal resources to ba allocated to Th8 Pathway Fund further supporting th8 provislon working with childr8n living In dl8advantage. The department will work to secure additional funding from Belf88t Cty Counal and The Northem Ireland Housing Executive for the continuatlon of 'The Pantry, Social supermarket Including tha salary of Ihe Panty C04)rdlnator. Funding wlll be Sought and raseareh commlssloned Into the b8n8fits of Investing In ¢ommunSty-based childcare. Wh8n complete thls will be shared wlth relevant Minislers and Daparknent of Educallon offldal8 with a view for funding to be targeted to children most In need. Tho department will engage wlth the review of the Minlmum Standards In Chlldmlndlng In Daycare and wlll apply to be Involved in thg Stakeholder group. The department will also b8 an acilve member In the roll out of the RED programme. strengthening links bebNeen schools and communitias w5th a vlew to impl8menting m8asur88 In parfner5hip, which wlll reduce educatlonal disadvantage. Health and W•llb•lng Sorvlce• The departmenl remains committed to providing tho highest quality seNice to all ind5vlduals saeklng our support. The department ar8 looklng forward lo extending our Trouble6 Permanent Disablement Paymants Scheme provlsion by welcoming a now Pon8lon Welfare Officer to support Individuals living in the North West. The department is also excited about future plans for the development of the Communty Navigator Pink T-shlrt Project and are also a8g8rly awaitlng the launch of the new PeacePlus funding str8am. which Is due to commence lalei in 2024 whlch will hopefully furth8r th8 Opportunity to expand and enhance the existing Health & Wallbaing Caseworker support. Additionally the department will conlinue to represent the need5 of vidims & Burvivors at varlou8 cross sectoral forums. 12-
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTE&8' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Youth & Arts Programm0B During 2024-2025 New Lodga Youth Centre plan to develop the following: Drnp4n swvlces- the Youth Centre wlll Continue to provide a safe envlronment for young peopl& to personally and soclally d8V81op. Our drO]n will engage young people in rneaningful acllvhfjes to provide them wlth a spaca they can be proud and taka ownarshlp of. Romanla pmJect- the project wlll recrult and engage 24 young leaders In year-long programm08 focusing on youth volce, chall8nging st8r8otypes, rJ)mrnunty leadership and S¢xial action. Youth awards - Our Champions for Change project will provid8 a North Belfast Youth Award8 for young peopl8 to champion thgir achievemenis. Thls wlll lake placa in Ulster University. Summv pmvlslon - N8w Lodge Youlh Club wlll provlde a 7 week summer prov15ion for those aged &18. The summer provision will entail group work programm88, 1-1 support. outreach & detached work in the area, community events, volunteering. 80clal acllon work and partnarship worklng. This project will 8UPPOrt young people In declsion-making particularty over contentlOU3 p8riod8. Manchgstsr project- Du8 to the SUC88 of previous y8ars we are r8crulllng for a new group of young peopla for anolher Manch8star Project. Thls project wlll take a similar format as pr8vIou8 years. f-l support - There is a growing need for young people to receive 1-1 manlorlng due to thair pr6s8ntlng needs such as mental health. educational und8r-achlevem8nt, rlsk-taking behaviours etc. Group-wort - Projects wlll contlnue in New Lodge Youth Club, 8chools and in partnarshlp wllh Ardoyne, Holy Family and Mountcolty8r Youlh Club8, The Youth Centr8 aims to provido a hollsfjc approach lo its provision and a8 Such wlll contlnue to engage with key 3takeholderJ such as social services, the Youth Justice Ag8ncy, communlty and youth and mental health organisallon8. Structurng governanc• and manag•m•nt A8hlon Community Trust was incorporated by company limited by guarantee on 6 August 1998. It Ss govemed by Its Memorandum and Articles of Assoclallon (a8 updated 25 July 2012). It has no share capital and the guarantea of aach member is limited. Ashton Community Trust is registered with Ihe Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (charity reference NIC 1046391 and Is recogni8ed as a charity by HMRC under reference XR26284. Vlslon Our vision is lo create a Safe, prosperous and caring community wh8r& rasidenl8 have prld8 and a sense of own8rship' M1881on Our mi55ion (or overall purpose) Is Xo promote positive chang6 and improve tha quallty of life of the local communities, Coro valua8 Integrity Indusion Ernpow8rment 13-
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Th6 trustees. who ar8 also th8 dir8Ctor8 for the purpos8 of company law, and who served durlng the year and up to the date of signature of the financlal statements w8re: M8 N CollSn8 Mr C N8111 Mr T O'Rellly Mrm Mullan Mr S Pollard Mr G Roberts Ms K Murpty MrJ Loughran Mr J O'Hagan (Rasigned 11 December 2023) (Resigned 14 August 2023) {Resign8d 11 April 2024> (Appolnted 25 Aprll 2024) (Appointed 25 April 2024) Organl•atlonal structure The charity is governed by trustees are also dlr8ctors for company law purposes. Unless otherwl8e determined by the company at a general maeting the numb8r of dlrectors shall not b8185S than 4 or more than 12. The directors are elected by it8 members on an annual basis. The Board 6nsura8 tha good governance of the charlty by setting its stratsgic obJect5ve¥ and policy dlre¢tion through the creation of a strateglc plan and monitoring progress against that plan on a regular basis. Ashton'5 curr8nt 6trategl¢ plan cover5 the period 2023 to 2028. Having asgassad both the strat89lo context and lh8 8talistical context, havlng caled out an 8xt8nsive stskeholder engagement process and having carrled out SWOT and PESTLE analysas, Ashton's strateglc prlorftles, both external and Intemal, were agreod and a dalivary framework has been deslgned. The Board meets (on average) 8 tlme6 per year. A number of sub-committaes support the work of the Board.. The Audit and Risk Commlttee,, The Finance and Personnel Commlttee., and The Nominations and R8mun8ratlon8 Committee. New Board members receiv8 induction trainlng to bri8f them on thelr roles and r8sponslbllities, their legal obligation5 under charlty and company law, the decision making proc8s88$ of the Board and the 8ub<ommittees, the curr8nt strategy and operational plan, the organlsational stwcture and current matters b8ing dlscu8sed. 14-
ASHTON COMMUNITYTRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Related Partle• Ashton Community Trust Is reg18tered as a charity with th8 Charlty Commission for Northem Ireland (charfty number 104839) and recogn18ed as a charity by HMRC (under referanc8 XR 26284). It Is registered as a company in Northem Ireland (Company numbgr N1034595). To help11 fulfil its charitablo obJoct$, Ashton Communlty Twst has Iwo fully-owned 8ub8idiaries.' Ashton Servlces (Nl) Ltd is a company reglstered in Northern Ir81and (company number N1620447). Ashton SeNlce8 (Nll Lld are no longer trading and wlll be struck-off during tha 2024-2025 financial y8ar. Lodg8 Arts is reglster8d as a tharity with the Charfty Commission for Northem Ir81and (charlty number 1 OQ3531. It is r8gi818red as a company in North8m Ireland (company number N1603904). New Lodgo Arts providas educalional arts based actlvttles for young p8opI8 wllhln North Belfast. The financlal results of Ashton Services (Nl) Ltd and New Ladga Arts have boan Included in tha group financial stal8m8nts. Manag•m•nt and •tsfflng Duilng the 202>2024 year leadership was provided by CEO Joanne Klnnear who worked closely with the Board, d8V8loplrJg 8hort-term strategies to meet the ever<hanging circum8tance8, while also managlng the daY-tsday OP81atlons of the charity. She was supported during the year by Clara Rea, Deputy CEO, Chrlstlna McKeown. H8ad of Chlldcar6 and Famlly Support and Irene Sherry, Head of Victims and Menial Health Servlces. Salary costs for tha Senior Leadership Taam for 2023-2024 were £254.100. Ro8erv•8 pollcy The reseTve5 policy has been d86lgned in order to.. Provide a sustainable and appropriate level of working capltal., Allow for pariods of unexpected drops in plann8d income., Cope with sudden short-term increases in p18nnad expenditure; Provlde an appropriate level of cover for other ri5k5 or unfor68een evenls that may arlse. An asseg8m•nt of the likelihood of each income stream contlnulng has been carrled out as well as assessment of the impact on the charity of each income stream endlng or baing significanlly reduced. An assessmant has also been Carrled out on the level of committed expenditure, as well as gauging the impact on beneficiaries, volunt•ors and slaff of reducing expenditure In particular areas. An assessment was also made of the amount of working capit81 required. This recognlsed the amount of payioll costs and an as58ssm8nt of lh8 varlabllity of payment receipts from funders. After taklng all these faclors into account the Board hava d8cidad that a target range of free reserves of £1.200,000 to £1,5(,000 would be appropriate. It should be recognised that fr88 r8s8prfes (or general unrestricted) reserves do not include restricled funds or designaed funds. Design818d funds curr8ntly Include.. Fixed ass8t r8S8rv8 equivalent to thé nat book value of the chatiV5 fjxed assets. These ara used in the furtherance of the charity's actlvities and indud8 buildings and equipment: Programnie related investment In Ashton Centre Development Limited. Allhough thls Investment g8n8rates som8 financial return. its primary motivation is not financial but the actual furtherance of the charity's objecls. glven the commonality of many of the objectiV8s of both charit18S' At 31 March 2024 the level of free reserves was £717,932. 15-
ASHTON COMMUNITY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Invéstmant pollcy The need to hold r6seive8 has been 8xplain8d in Ihe ROsenS Pollcy above. The Board have considered whether some or all of the resejves should ba invasted to obtain a financlal return for th8 charlty. In making the investment declslon the Board considered when tha reserves might ba needed and th8 ac¢8ptsble level of inv8Stm8nt risk. To meet the charity's worklng capltal requlrem8nts th8r8 was a raalisatlon that a significant amount of reserves may need to be accassed at short notice. It was also recognised that Investlng res8rv8s in assets other than cash would Involve a gr8aler degree of Investment risk. It was dacided that Should th818V8ls of cash h81d Incr8a8e an altemative place to deposit sorne funds would be sought, meotlng the requirement to ganarate addltlonal Income while also b8ing sufflclently accgssible should funds be nded In unfore8een circumstances. Aftèr ravlewlng a number of options th8 decl8lon ha8 been taken to invest surplus funds in the Epworth CashPIus Fund for Charltles. An initial transfer of funds took place In April 2024. statemgnt of tru•t•g8' rn8pon8lbllltle• The trust08s, who ara a180 the dlrectors of Ashton Communlty Tru8t for the purpose of company law, ara re8ponsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and th8 group finandal 8tatement6 in accordance wllh applicable law and Unlled Kingdom Accountlng Standards (United Kingdom GenerallyAccepled Accounting Practlce). Cornpany Law r8qulr88 the Irustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year whlch glve 8 trua and fair view of the state of affairg of the group and parent charitable CA)mpany and of the incomlng resourcas and appllcallon of re8ourc8s, including the Income and expanditura, of the group forthat year. In praparlng these financlal statements, ihe trustees are required to: - select sultable accounting policies and thon apply thom nsIsten11y. - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judg8monts and e8tlmate$ that are reasonable and prudent., Slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followad, subject lo any material departures disdosed and explained in th8 financlal statements- and prepare the financial statements on the golng concern basis unless it is Inappropriat8 to presume that the group and parent charitable company will contlnue In operation. The trustees are responsible for k88ping adequate accounting re(x)rds thal disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tirne tha flnanclal position of the group and parent Charitable company and enable Ihetn to 8nsure that the financial slalem8nts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responslble for safaguarding the assets of the group and par8nt charitable company and hence for taldng reasonable steps for the prevention and dotectlon of fraud and olhar irragularitle8. Auditor In accordanca wlth the ¢ompany's articles, a resolution proposing that GMCG BELFAST be reappointed as auditor of Ihe company will be put at a Ganaral M88ting. 16-
ASHTON COMMUNrrY TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Dlgolo8urn of Infornxllon to audltor Each of tho truste85 has conllmied that ther8 is no InfoTmatlon of whlth thgy aro aware whlch Is relevant to the audlc but of whlch the au(litor Is unawwe. They have further eonfirmed that they hav8 lak8n approprfats 8tsps to Id8ntlfy 8uth relevant Infon&t[On and to estsb115h that the audltor18 aware of 8uGh Infonnatlon. Thfr Iru$tO88' report wa$ approv•d ty tha Board of Trustse8. Mr M Mullan Dlroctor 23 Decernbor 2024 17-