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]