Voice of Young People in Care [VOYPICI 100 Great Patrick Street Belfast BTI 2LU Company Limited by Guarantee N1030526 Charity Registration Number NIC105019 Admlnlstration Details K-aren Stirling [karen.stirling@voypic.org] Public email: info@voypic.org Telephone Number: 02890244888
Directorfs re ort 2023-2024 Objectlves and activities Voice of Young People in Care IVOYPICI was established for exclusively charitable purposes; namely to ensure that the general welfare and interests of care experienced children and young people are advanced. The Directors have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the company should undertake. Mission, Vision, and Values Created in 1993 by a group of young people in care and professionals, VOYPIC is the charity for children and young people with a lived-in experience of care in Northern Ireland. We promote the rights and voice of children in care and care leavers. The current strategic plan focusses on four key strategic aims: l. Empowering children and young people 2. Innovating practice through participation and co-production 3. Creating change through policy advocacy 4. Organisational growth and stability Our Mission: Working together with children and young adults for a better care experience and life after care. Our Vision: Every child in care in Northern Ireland feels safe, valued and loved. Every young person leaving care does so with dignity and respect, and thrives into adulthood. OUR WORK: Advocacy and Awarenes5-raising: We raise awareness of the rights of children and young people, their views and experiences living in and leaving care, and their priorities for change. Making Connections and Capacity Building: We connect young people with a lived experience of care with their peers. We host regular groups, participation forums and activities that build self-confidence, personal, social and life skills, whilst making new connections and friend5. Independent Advocacy and Advice Service: We support young people to exercise their rights by assisting them to; participate in decision making processes, express their views and concerns, access information, resolve issues or to identify available support option5, Youth Participation and Coproduction: We help children and young people to find their voice and set their own agenda for change. We create a culture of listening that enables children and
young people to influence the world around them. Our programmes equip and prepare young people to take part in co-production actFVities. Influencing Change through Pollcy Advocacy." We use our specialist knowledge and insight into the views and experiences of children and young people. We work in partnership with them to infiuence the development of legislatton, policy and practice. OUR VALUES: VOYPIC'S work is underpinned by five core values which not only inform what we do but also how we do it. Relationship Based. We are driven by the needs and aspiration5 of children and young people. We listen, learn, and work in partnership with them to ensure their voice is heard. We are dedicated to empowering young people so that they reach their potential in whatever they choose to do. Commitment. We are committed, passionate and enthusiastic champions for change. We are persistent and determined in promoting the voice and defendin£ the rights of children and young people in leaving care and into adulthood. Social Justice. We work to a strong moral code rooted in ideals of social justice. We challenge the oppression and discrimination faced by children and young people in care and seek to reduce the stigma they face in their daily lives. Respect for Rights. We respect the rights of children and young people and are prepared to challenge other to do the same. Solutjon Focused. We are posltive about the future. We are proud of what we do and what we have achieved, We face problems with a solution-oriented mentality, and we encourage our Staff, stakeholders and young people themselves to be problem solvers. 2023-2024 Organisational Overvlew From IApril 2023 to 31 March 2024 our staff team consisted of 23 members. During the year we Supported 621 children and young people: 554 were supported directly through our services with 67 children and young people attending VOYPIC events and activitie5. 416 Children and young people received support through our regional tndependent advocacy service for children in care and care leavers. 14 Children and yOLsng people received advocacy support through Speak Up programme.
19 Young adults received individual advocacy support through the See Me Hear Me programme. 21 Children and young people received one to one support and coaching. 88 Children and young people took part in social action programmes, 120 Children and young people took part in participation forum5. 63 Children and young people participated in policy consultations. 17 Young people undertook a leadership role. 58 Young people were supported through our independent advocacy service at Beechcroft. 159 Children and young people attended activity days. 139 Members of MYVOYPIC scheme. STRATEGIC GOAL I. EMPOWERING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY SUPPORT: Regional independent advocacy service for children in care and care leavers 416 children and young people received advocacy support 335 advocacy cases were closed during the year 82% of closed advocacy cases were fully resolved, an increase of 4% from previous year 13.5% of closed cases were partially resolved 2.5% of casework c105ed unresolved, a decrease of 3.5% from previous year. Impact of Advocacy Support 94% of young people felt listened to because of the advocacy support they receive 91% of young people stated they would use the advocacy service again 68% of young people whose cases had been resolved reported that their rights were protected through our advocacy support 60% of young people felt they were able to influence decision making with the help of their advocate. Advocacy in Secure Care In 2023-2024 VOYPIC supported 46 young people at 65 presentations to the Regional Multi Agency Panel for Admission to Secure Care. Advocates support young people to share their wishes and feelings to the panel about any safety concerns, and how they can keep themselves safe, 90% of all young people offered advocacy support for panel accepted help. Young people continued to avail of advocacy support for care and exit planning whilst placed in secure care.
Advocacy Workshops 26 advocacy workshops were delivered to 284young people living in foster families and young people leaving care across Northern Ireland. Theses workshops are designed to educate children and young people about their rights and entitlements whi15t in care. The workshops explore range of issues; support for leaving care. review meetings, accommodatton, play, and identity. Advocacy in Beechcroft Child & Adolescent Mental Health Unit Beechcroft Child & Adolescent Mental Health Unit provides speclalist care to young people from across Northern Ireland. VOYPIC provides a dedicated advocate located in the hospital on behalf of the BHSCT. We supported 58 indikiiduals through 62 pieces of advocacy case work. We helped young people share their views, participate in Patient Forums, and take part in consultations on issues such as administering IV nutrition and mealtimes. Speak up Pilot This year we piloted advocacy support for young people in Northern Health & Social Care Trust area to participate in child protection case conferences. The pilot is assessing the effectiveness of advocacy to support young people's meaningful involvement in child protection processes. During the year we supported 14 young people in case conferences. Advocacy for Young Adults Often, the need for help and support does not end when a young person moves on from leaving and aftercare services. With support from The National Lottery Community Fund, we have been able to support 19 young adults, aged 21+. who no longer have access to statutory support services. to resolve 30 different issues. PARTICIPATION SERVICES: SEE ME HEAR ME programme Through thi5 programme VOYPIC facilitated the development of three peer support groups for young care leavers. Thirty-three young people took part in the groups throughout the year, Peer support group5 provide a Space and environment for care leavers to Meet with their peers and create and sustain social networks Wlthin their communitles. 88 young people took part in social action projects. These projects give young people an opportunity to Use their lived experience to affect change in their community. Examples of social action projects undertaken this year include:
Guerilla chalk street art and urban gardening, in partnership with Ulster U niver5ity, Belfast Production and distribution of health and hygiene packs Creation and publication of a storybook about coming into care Development of a 'Pizza Advice' a pizza box advice centre Delivery of second 'Care 2 Swap' social clothes swap event Organising and running a Halloween Haunted House for young people in care. Participation Forums We facilitated weekly participation forums in each of the five HSCTS, involving 120 children and young people. Our participation forums help young people to find their voice and set their own agenda for change. They provide a safe space for young people to have their say and engage directly with decision makers on matters important to them. STRATEGIC AIM 2. INNOVATING THROUGH PARTICIPATION AND CO-PRODucfioN Young Reps Young Reps are the youth leaders of VOYPIC. They represent and advocate on behalf of young people in and leaving care and advise the VOYPIC Board of Directors and the VOYPIC Leadership Team on how to deliver the Strategic Plan. There are currently 17 VOYPIC Young Reps, including two ex-offi'cio members of the VOYPIC Board of Directors. During the year the Young Reps took part in a team-building residential and undertook training for their new role. For example, they received Media Training with Bespoke Communications, to develop their skills and confidence to use traditional and social media to communicate their key messages on life in care. Young Rep5 coordinated and helped deliver VOYPIC'S 30 birthday activities in October 2023 and contributed to the annual Care Day working group and the Care Day Awards Ceremony in February 2024. Ulster University Partnership We worked with young leaders to co-design a series of workshops for students in Ulster Universityi focused on improving student's understanding of care and issue5 impacting children and young people. Workshops were delivered in both the Belfast and Magee campus. UNICEF Partnership We continued to work in partnership with the Derry & Strabane District Council, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, and othervoluntary and community organisations to promote Derry as a 'Child Friendly Citw. We supported young people to take part in several workshops
and online training sessions throughout the year, to promote young people's right5 across the DSOC area. STRATEGIC AIM 3. CREATING CHANGE Care Day 24 'Celebrating and Connecting the Care Experienced Communt Cafe Day 24 was held on Friday 16 February. In the lead up to the big day the Young Reps hosted a coffee morning for'VOYPIC Alumni,, that is young people who participated in VOYPIC'S programmes in the past. This reunion was attended by over 30 former service users, who took the opportunity to reconnect and have a tour of the new buildFnE at 100 Great Patrick Street. During Care Day 24, everyone was encouraged to put their'Hands Up for Care Day,. Once again, many individuals and organi5ations acr055 Northern Ireland, around the UK and Ireland, and further afield, got involved in the activity, by writing #CareOay24 on their hand and sharing a selfie on social media. This provided a great opportunity to 'celebrate and connect the care experienced community, globally on Care Day. On the morning of Care Day, VOYPIC hosted a 'Family Fun Day, in New Life City Church, Belfast. This event was attended by more than 50 care experienced families, all enjoying games, craft activities, a petting farm. and Eiant inflatables. The flagship event for Care Day 24 was the first annual Care Day Awards. Between Christmas and the start of February, anyone could nominate a care experienced young person for a Care Day Award, in a range of categories. Sixty-five nominations were received across the categories, and the judges met in early February to select the winners, The awards were presented at a special ceremony on the event of Care Day, in the Great Hall of Queen's University, Belfast. The event was hosted by BBC reporter, Mark Simpson. The event was a resounding success, with many commenting on the celebratoryi Positive nature of the ceremony, and praising the storie5 of those recognised with an award. Independent Revlew of Chlldren's Social Care Services The Independent Review of Children's Social Care Services was published on Wednesday 21 June 2023, Throughout the period of the review, VOYPIC supported a group of young people with experience of the services covered by the review to act as the Expert5 by Experience {E8EI Reference Group to the Review. Young people were involved in the launch event, including speaking about the experiences of the EBE Reference Group, and taking part in media interviews.
VOYPIC supported young people to participate in the public consultation on the recommendations of the Review, and the Department of Health's proposals for delivery on the recommendations. In March, a group of young people from the EBE Reference Group and VOYPIC Young Reps attended a meeting of the Health Committee at Stormont where the Review was being considered. PSNI-NICCY Projert VOYPIC supported three young people to take part in a programme of activities coordinated by NICCY and the PSNI. This included young people being part of the launch of the PSNI Youth Engagement Strategy, as well as participating in a steering group to develop a new structure for youth engagement with policing in Northern Ireland. UNCRC Reporting In spring 2023, VOYPIC supported four young people to travel to Geneva, to present to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, as part of the UK delegation to the Committee. On return, the young people worked with peers from partner organisations to plan and host a briefing session for a larger group of young people, informing them of the engagement. They also helped deliver a session for professionals, including duty bearers, in the autumn. All-Party Group on Youth Participation VOYPIC has taken up membership of the All-Party Working Group on Youth Participation, chaired by Colin McGrath MLA and facilitated by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum {NIYF). A member of the VOYPIC staff team, alongside at least one young person from the organisation, has attended each meeting since the APG was established in October 2023. Five Nations, One Voice network:15NIVI The Network continues to meet to develop relationships and shared learning across the five charities. During the year staff from across the network came together for Knowledge Exchange session based on shared interests and priority areas of work. STRATEGIC AIM 4. GROWTH AND STABILITY Grand Opening of IOOGPS Following years of planning and development VOYPIC was delighted to move into their new premises at 100 Great Patrick Street in November 2022, alongside Include Youth and Viable Corporate Services. To mark this achievement a planning group, made up of young people and staff from VOYPIC and Include Youth, came together to develop plan5 for a grand opening. Young people took
leading role in coordinating the activities, including agreeing the theme for the day, decorations, catering, a nd the activities on offer. The Grand Opening took place on Thursday 22 June. The building was officially opened by six young people- three from each charity- representing the themes of HISTORY, TOGETHERNESS, HOME and FUTURE. The event was attended by over 150 children and young people. sector professionals, decision makers, and supporters. th VOYPIC30- 30 Birthday Celebrations In October 2023, VOYPIC celebrated its 30 birthday. An online campaign shared stories from those currently involved with the organisation. alongside those who have been involved over the past 30 years. On 20 October we hosted the VOYPIC30 Conference at Ulster University, showcasing some of the key milestones for the organisation over the past 30 years, telling the story of care experience in Northern Ireland from the earty 90s to the present day. The conference was co. designed with a group of VOYPIC Young Reps, and all presentations and activlties were co- delivered by them. SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIEINCE To improve VOYPIC'S long term sustainability, resilience and capacity we secured funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund Nl to develop the leadership team's capacity, increase and diversify our income, and strengthen governance arrangements. A governance health check was completed with Board members in May and June 2023, using the Code of Good Governance 5elf-asse55ment framework. Following the self-assessment an action plan was developed highlighting key actions for the year. The leadership team undertook development training to ensure team effectiveness. The training focused communication. efficient utilisation of resources, building long term relationships, social and psychological safety to ensure space for crucial conversations, roles and responsibilities, accountability, and change awareness and readine55. During the year we implemented a new management information system and developed impact data measurements and collection processes. This will improve our reporting to funders, potential supporter5 and donor5, and generate better public awareness of our work with children and young people with a lived experience of care.
Financial Review: VOYPIC strives to meet all targets and objectives agreed with its funders, with all expenditure monitored and benchmarked against budgets. The Board of Directors consider that the unrestricted funds of the charity have sufficient resources and assets available which are adequate to fulfil their obligations. At 31 March 2024 the balance of unrestricted reserves was £407,21812023- £415,494) of which £19,296 {2023- £113,853) has been designated by the Board at the year end. Restricted funds are restricted for the purpose as specified in letters of offer provided by the funding bodies. At 31 March 2024 the balances of restricted funds totalled £1,044,75112023-£1,082,200). Reserves policy: The Board aims to maintain free resenies in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately three month5 of unrestricted charitable expenditure. Currently we hold the equivalent of 3.5 months expenditure. The Board of Directors monitor and review the reserves policy on an annual basis. The Board considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in fundin& VOYPIC will be able to continue it5 activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The VOYPIC Board of Directors has decided that VOYPIC should hold financial reserves because: I. VOYPSC has no long-term funding sources and is entirely dependent for income from year to year on short term grants and donor funding, which is inevitably subject to fluctuation. 2. VOYPIC requires protection against, and the ability to continue operating, despite fluctuation in income or events threatening to the organisation. 3. VOYPIC requires the ability to continue to employ workers and continue our projects in between periods of grant funding. The VOYPIC Board of Directors considers it prudent that unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to "avoid the necessity of realising fixed asset5 held for the charity's use" and to "cover three months of direct and indirett expenses" Going Concern: The charity's funding streams have remained constant during the years 2023-2023. With a projected shortfall for the year l April 2024 to 31 March 2025 of £56,036. The Board recognises the low level of risk. However, they take an active approach in seeking to mitigate any risk to the charitvs future. A fundraising plan is in place to address any potential shortfalls, and scenario planning continues.
The Board has considered the secured funding in place for the next few years, which enables the board to forward plan and be proactive about their funding in the future, The Directors are satisfied that the charit$ financial sustainability of services to care experienced children and young people in the financial year 2024- 2025. The Directors aim to increase fundraising activities and to generate additional income by ways of increased training and consultancy work. After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expertation that the Company has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts. At 31 March 2024, the charity had cash in bank of £417,484, with unrestricted funds of £407,218 at the year end, £19.296 of which have been designated for use in the year ending 31 March 2025. In summary, based on the funding in place for 2024/2025 the directors have a reasonable expectation that the organisation has adequate resources to continue its operational activity. Along with written representations from the Board and the reserves of the charity. We do not believe there to be a concern over the operation of VOYPIC Limited in the foreseeable future. The VOYPIC Board of Directors considers it prudent that unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to "avoid the necessity of realising fixed assets held for the charit¢s use" and to "cover three months of direct and indirect expenses. Risk Review: The Board has a risk management strategy which comprises: An annual review of principle risks The establishment of policies, systems & procedures to mitigate those risk5 identified in the annual review, and, The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage potential impact on charity should those risks materialise. The key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available ftjnds and cash flow. Strurture. Governance & Management The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis.
The company is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity for taxation purposes. It is run by a Board of Directors, no more than twelve and no less than five in total. None of the directors have any beneficial interest in the company. The Directors who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr. P McClenaghan- Chairperson Ms. F Nicol - (Resigned 31 December 2023) Mr. C Nicol- Treasurer Ms. M. Mccallan Ms. M Kennedy Vice Chair Ms. E. Doherty Dr. P, Mccafferty Ms. R McCooey- (Appointed 3 January 2024) Ms. E Ibrahim - Young People's Representative {Appointed 16 May 2024) Ms. J Dowell - Young People's Representative (Appointed l June 2024) The Board of Directors has the power at any time to fill any vacancy on the board by co- option. At the Annual General Meeting directors are appointed by election. The Board of Directors meet on a monthly basis. New Board members may be sought through open advertising. The interview panel is made up of young people and current Board members. When appointed, Board members complete a full induction into the charity and receive a welcome pack which includes a brief history of the charity, a copy of the last three years annual accounts, annual reports and a copy of the Charity Commission's guidance 'The Essential Trustee; 'What you need to know and Public Benefit running of a charity. None of the directors has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the directors are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of winding up. Key Management Personnel Remuneration The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. All Board members give of their time freely and no remuneration was paid in the year. Board members are required to disclose all relevant conflict of interests and register them at each monthly board meeting and in accordance with the Trust's policy withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises. Employee involvement The charity's policy is to consult and discuss with employees any matters likely to affect their interests. Information on matters of concern is given through staff briefings which
seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the charity's performance. Disabled persons Applications for employment are fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the company continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the company that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees. Statement of Directors Responsibllltles The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and the United Kingdom Accounting Standards [United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice]. Company Law requires the Dirertors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair account of the affair5 of the cornpany, the incoming resources, and the application of resources. In preparing these financial statements the directors are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. Observe the methods and principle5 in the charitie5 SORP 2015 [FRS 102] Make judgements and 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 and. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation. The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the cornpany and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the a55ets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. AUDITOR In accordance with the companws article, a resolution proposing the GMCG Lisburn be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companie5, exemption.
Disclosure of information to the auditor Each of the Directors has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware that is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information. Signed: Date: (a/ikn/z4 (Peter Mcclenaghan - Chair]