North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 December 2023 The trustees, 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 December 2023. Reference and administrative detai15 Registered charity name North West [ethod1St Mission Charity registration number NIC104734 Company registration number N1614721 Principal office and regist6r8d 36 Clooney Terrace office Londonderry BT47 6AR The trustees Mrs J Doherty (Co Secretary) (Resigned 21 December 2023) Mr J Gibson Ms M Hamilton Ms T R Hegarty (Wice Chair) Mr M Johnston (Treasurer) Dr W P Leeson Mr J G Lusby Miss J Mccandless Rev P Morris Dr M Parker Rev Dr S F Skuce (Chair) Mrs H Wray (Appointed 21 December 2023) (Appointed 13 September 2023) Mission Diroctor Liam Milligan Auditor Donaldson & Thompson Chartered Accountants & statutory auditor 3 Limavady Road Londonderry BT47 6JU Bankers Ulster Bank Ltd 29 Clooney Terrace Waterside Lorrdonderry BT47 6AS Solicitors Babingtons Solicitors 9 Limavady Road Londondery BT47 6JU
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnuedj Year ended 31 December 2023 Structurej governance and management North West Methodist Mission is part of the Methodist Church in Ireland and is a charitable company limited by guarantee. incorporated on 1st October 2012, accepteé as a charity by HM Revenue & Customs under reference XT39218 and registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland on 8th February 2017 under charity number NIC104734. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which slates the objects and powers of the charitable cornp2ny and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. North West Methodist Mission is a provider of Supporting People services, as accredited by the Northem Ireland Housing Executive. Govemance During the year the Mission Board met quarterfy. The Board membership a5 a whDle is noted annually at the Methodist Conference in Ireland. The Board continues to monitor its membership. A skills audit of the Board membership has taken place and is reviewed on a regular b3sis. A Register of Interests for Board Members is also maintained. Declaration of interests is a standing item on all of the agendas for Board meetings. The Board has devised a Conflicts of Interests Policy as well as financial policies and procedures. The Board provides training to Trustees in various areas to ensure good governance. Board members must always act in the best interests of NWMM and as such are covered by qualifying for third party indemnity provision, which has been in place throughout the past year and will remain in place. Policies are reviewed and updated on a circulatory basis and also in response to legislative changes, while new policies and procedures are devised as required. In line with new requirements the Board will review its Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adutts and Children Policy on an annual basis. The Board has devolved some of its powers to the Executive Board, comprising the Office Bearers, which meets when necessary.
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Structure, governance and management {conllnuedJ Primary Purposes Mission The purpose of NWMM is to demonstrate f21th in action by responding effectively to the needs of people in the North West and enable them to achieve their potential Vision The vision of NWMM is Df a society enriched by a commitment to promote social justice in all aspects of life Value5 Social justice A commitment to the principles of equality, solidarity and human rights that recognises the dignity of every human being Empowerment Supporting the development of individuals and communities to tske more responsibility for. and control of, their own lives Compassion Living our faith in action through selfless concem for others Inclusion & Diversity A commitment to a welcoming hospitality that treats everyone with dignity and respect. celebrates diversity, and enables the marginalized to feel they belong Responsiveness Respond effectively to the changing needs and aspirations of the local community Integrity Being open and transparent in all our activities- doing whatwe say and saying what we mean Risk management During 2023 the Mission Board and Senior Management considered the majar risks thal the charity faces through its Strategic planning process. This enables compliance with relevant regulations and legislation. The Mi55ion Board has devised a Risk Register, and this is reviewed at each of our meetings. During the year risk assessment5 far each occupational area were reviewed and updated as appropriate by the Senior Management team. A Fixed Assets list has been campleted. In respect of financial risk, the Board receives regular financial reports with systems and controls in place to mitigate significant financial risks. Finance policies are reviewed and updated. During these uncertain economic conditions, we continue to rewew our business risks. The current exteinal environment continues to have a significant impact due to inflation and cost of living crisis. We continue to maintain positive relations with our clients, funders and stakeholders.
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors, Report) {Mntinued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Objectives and activities Primary Objectives North West Methodist Mission has wilhin its Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 eight core objectives.. Homelessness To respond effectively to homelessness in the North-west. Community To respond effectively to the needs of the local community in the North-west. Collaboration To ensure that NWMM collaborates effectively with other churches and organisations in achieving its mission. Communications To ensure effective communication with NWMM internal and external stakeholders Finance To ensure that NWMM has the financial resources it requires to achieve its plans and these resources are effectively and efficiently managed. Human Resources To ensure that NWMM has the staff and volunteers that it needs to achieve its plans and these volunteers and staff are effectively utilized, valued, supported and managed. Premises and Physical Resources To ensure that NWMM has the premises and other physical resources it requires to achieve its aims and priorities efficiently and effectively and these resources are well managed and maintained. Governance To ensure that the governance and structure of NWMM are fit for purpose and comply with the requirements of the law and best practice. Public Benefit The Trustees have considered relevant charity legislation, which sets out the requirements for charities to demonstrate their aims and activities are for public benefit. The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland guidance on public benefit. Homeless The direct benefit flowing from our purposes include reduced numbers of men, women and children experiencing homelessness. The support of clients in our service lo overcome the causes that lead to them becoming homeless in the first place, enabling them to integrate back into the community and sustain tenancies. This reduces the pressure on other statutory services as a result of harm reduction interventions whilst in our service. The wider community benefits due to a reduction in rough sleeping and anti social behaviour. Society benefits as clients acquire skills and become able to live independently and seek training andlor employment. On the basis of an established track record of providing highly regarded and quality based services, continued accreditation by the Nl Housing Executive, and financial reserves. the Trustees are satisfied that there are adequate resources available to continue operating for the foreseeable future.
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors. Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Strategic report The following sections summarise the key achievements. performance and financial review of the charity. Achievements and performance Current need The statistics in the Dfc Bulletin paint a bleak picture for the state of homelessness in Northern Ireland as the number of households living in temporary accommodation continues to increase. Over the last five years, the number of households in temporary accommodation has more than doubled. In January 2024 over 4,500 households were living in temporary accommodation, an increase of over 600 sin January 2023 and a rise of almost 121 % since 2019. Between July and December 2023, just under 8.200 households presented to the Housing Executive a5 homeless. This was an increase of 9% on the same period in 2022. Just over 5,300 households were accepted as homeless, a rise of over 9 % when compared to the same period in 2022. The Bulletin also reveals that in January 2024, the number of children living in temporary accommodation in Northern Ireland rose to over 4,800 - an increase of 60/0 since July 2023. Of these children, over 3.100 were aged nine and under. 482 of these children were aged under 1. In January 2019, just over 2.400 children were living in temporary accommodation. The number of children living in temporary accommodation has increased by 99 /0 since then. In addition to highlighting the continued increase in those seeking temporary accommodation, the Dfc Bulletin provides a geographical breakdown of homelessness presentations. Between July and December 2023, Belfast City Council area recorded the highest number of presentations al a rate of 7 presentations per 1,000 people (2,425 people)- This was followed by Derry and Strabane Council who had 6.4 presentations per 1,000 people (964 people) and then Antrim and Newtownabbey Council with 4.6 presentations per 1,000 people (678 people). Performance The delivery of services is against a backdrop of increasing demand. Men's Hostel Referrals Admissions Move On Utilisation Occupancy 472 88 88 94.3 % 95.5 % Clarendon Shelter Women & Children Referrals Admissions Move On Utilisation Occupancy 96 27 27
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors. Report) (continued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Achievements and performance (continued) Achievements NWMM has undertaken a review of investments and designated funds for the development of move on accommodation during the year. Agreement was also reached with Clooney Hall Church and the Methodist Church in Ireland for the purchase of a property for the project. PoliGy reviews have been completed with the organisations HR and Operational Policies all having been reviewed and updated during the year. A range of activities continue to be delivered and development to enhance the support provided to our clients, these include= Afternoon tea's, themed meal nights & quizzes Daytrips MENTALK Programme aimed at addressing loneliness and social isolation. Cooking nutritious meals on a budget Marking key days and events such as International Women's Day, Mental Health Awareness Day, Volunteers Week, Healthy Eating Week and Homeless Awareness Week We continue to fundraise and develop our social media profile and presence with several key events delivered during the year.. The Mission was instrumental in bringing Still Somebody - Voices for Change Photographic Exhibition to the city in May. The images are powerful. evocative and speak the truth about some of the circumstances and factors that force people into homelessness. The aim is to stress the scale and scope of the problem and show that it can happen to anyone. The event was held over four days in the Guildhall with Guest speakers including the Mayor Sandra Duffy. Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Housing Executive. Liam Milligan. Mission Director and Cormac McArt. Director of Westcourt Centre, Belfast and curator of the exhibition. Successful return of Tour de Foyle after years with over 90 participants. A huge thank you to all who took part and to volunteers, Marshalls and all the Rapid Relief Team, the Executive Office without whose support we could not run the event. London Marathon a huge thank you to Pauline Mullan from Limavady who ran the London marathon donating all the proceeds to support our Clarendon Shelter Service for Women and Children. We secured £25.000 from the Joseph Rank Trust to assist our clients through the cost of living crisis. We ran a marketing and awareness campaign during Homelessness Awareness Week which included high profile billboards across the city and a social media campaign featuring former residents video testimonials on their lived experience of homelessness and the support they received from the Mission.
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors, Report) (continued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Achievements and performance (contlnued) We continue our Partnership with the United Methodist Church Global Ministries welcoming a second Global Mission Fellow to the Mission and the City to assist with social media. communications. and our Homelessness Awareness Outreach Programme. We are grateful both to Camille and Tino for their vocation and presence in our Mission. We attended a meeting with the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in October to discuss the budget and ongoing pressures for organisations in the sector as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and lack of an Assembly. We continue to lobby on key issues eXperIend by our sector and our clients. We hosted a visit to the Mission by Mr. Colum Boyle, Permanent Secretary, Department for Communities at the beginning of November 2023. Colum met with both staff and residents and reflected on his visit saying: "I was extremely impressed with your scheme and noted that it offers tenants a much-needed feeling of security along with a significant level of independence. I believe this is vltal for all our supporting people tenants and your scheme demonstrates how well it addresses the core aim of the SP policy by really sUppOng people to live more independently in the community. I was especlally pleased to talk to John and Sean and meet the other men who live at Crawford Square. I could see how restful and lively an environment it Is, not only in the lounge but also in the gym tool Your facilities and your staff really do go above and beyond to ensure vulnerable people in our society feel cared for and vital.-
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors. Report) (continued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Achievements and performance (ntinued) What our clients say about us. Clarendon Shelter Women & Children .1 reached out for help, and I decided to come to Clarendon, and it was the best decision of my life- _ Andrea -Thank you for all you have done for me and the boys. From having my bad days to good days you were always there. I thank you from the bottom of n7y heart always-. - Lauren hank you to all the girls in Ashmore for being so kind and helpful- _ Roisin hank you so much for the presents. They really helped me out at Christmas". - Susan hank you for your kindness that can never be repaid and your understanding and the difference it makes-. - Kerry 'Thank you for all you do for us. Thmugh every dark cloud you helped me see a brighter day.: - Demi Men's Hostel. ou really felt loved within the Hostel. There wasny a day passed where you really felt self-worth where I never had that."_ Robert "If it wasntr for the staff at the hostel I dont where I would be today". - Gerard he hostel gave me a chance to get my life back on track- _ Enrico he staff at the hostel treated me with respect and never judged me, I will never forget what they have done for me-. - Noel 'The Men s Hostel saved my life and gave me a chance to live independently again-. - Keith
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors. Report) (conlinued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Financial review Review of activities 2023 The Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023 is set out on page 15 of the Financial Statements. The company returned a surplus for the year of £72.275 after other recognised gains and losses. Income generated frotn the cotnpany's activities was £1.636,999 (2022 - £1.646.113) of which 67°/0 was grants from the Nl Housing Executive and the Western Health Social Care Trust. Support services are regulated and funded by the Supporting People policy and funding framework. which is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Mission Board share collective responsibility and are commilted to good stewardship of funds received, a high standard of service provision and a prudent reserves policy. The aims and objectives for 2023 included Gontinuing enhancement of quality services, greater participation of residents, the strengthening of resettlement servIs. actively supporting residents to "move- on" and to sustain more independent tenancies. The Mission Board is pleased to report that signrficant progress has been made to meet the aims and objectives during 2023. A budget income and expenditure account including the above objectives 15 prepared at the start of each financial year and the 2023 objectives were met. A decision was taken by the Trustees to separate the finances of Clooney Hall Church from NWMM in order to streamline reporting and reduce the burden on church volunteers. The accounts for 2023 reflect this change. The NWMM Board considers it prudent to hold funds in reserve in case unforeseen circumstances should lead to financial difficulties, which might put the future of its employment capacity, residents, well-being, general mission work and property in jeopardy. Reserves may be defined as restricted or unrestricted. Restricted reserves relate to surpluses accumulated as a result of a binding restriction by the donor over the use of the income donated. Unrestricted reserves relate to surpluses accumulated from all other sources of income and will be applied to general purposes within the company at the discretion of the Board. Designated reserves refer to that portion of unrestricted reserves which the Board has allocated for a specific purpose. The Board considers 1000/0 of annual operating costs to be adequate reserves. Accumulated reserves as at 31 Dember 2023 were £1,432.958. (2022 £1,520.919) of which £744.490 were designated funds and £36.628 (2022 - £69.356) were restricted funds.
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contiftuedj Year ended 31 December 2023 Plans for future periods Continue to provide high quality temporary accommodation and support to homeless men including harm reduction support through our Men's Hostel. Continue to provide refuge and temporary accommodation to women fleeing domestic abuse, homeless single women and children via our Clarendon Shelter seNices. Continue to work in partnership and build sustainability. Explore and research longer-term accommodation solutions for our service users. Continue to provide other services such as the Drop-in Centre, Parent & Toddler Group, and Luncheon Club. Further develop Clooney Centre as a communty resource Further develop and communicate the work of the Five Missions Forum Continue to develop and deliver our homelessness education and awareness programme to schools and community organisations within the region Continue to invest in the skills and development of our Trustees, staff and volunteers through appropriate training and development opportunities both on and off the job Continue to ensure quality standards are understood and met across the organisation Ensure our core value5 and clients are at the centre of all we do Trustees, responsibilities Statement The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the charity trustees 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 resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. obseNe the methods and principles in the applicable Chartties SORP- makejudgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements-, prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity wtll continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose 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
North West Methodist Mission Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Auditor Each of the persons who is a trustee 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 charity's auditor is unaware" and they have taken all steps that they OLJght to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audtt information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The auditor is deemed to have been re-appointed in accordance wth section 487 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees. annual report and the strategic report were approved on 22 May 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by-. Mr M Johnston rfreasurer) Trustee 11