FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Tha Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statem8nts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charrivs goveming document. the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to tharilies preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicabl8 in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). (effective 1 January 2019). Objectives and activities First Housing and Support SeNices (FHASS) is a voluntary sector non-profit making organisation in operation sinc8 1989 (formerfy known as Foyle Homeless Action and Advi servi). which provides professional advice on housing in Northem Ireland and solutions to people who find themselves in housing difficulties. First Housing is committed to pmwding and developing services that offer a meaningful response to the needs of all homeless people. It is our commitment to ensure that a decent home is within the reath of every family and single person. First Housing continues to play a key role in the mudFneeded provision of support and accommodation to people in severe housing difficulty throughout Northem Ireland. First Housing believes that everyone has a fundamental right to a home that is safe, secure and affordable. First Housing responds to the needs of homeless people through initiatives focused tovmrds providing quality accomm¢xlation and supporL These seniices are based on preventing individuals and families from becoming homeless in the first place. and the provision of accommodation and support to help ensure individuals achieve the skills they need for them to liv8 independenty. Primary Purpose First Housing was established for the relief of poverty and sickness and the advanment of education, and to establish or promote the establishment within the area of Northem Ireland ('the area of benefit,) of a specialist advice service providing information and support for homelesslvulnerable people. Our mission is to respond effectively to the social needs of the communty Ihrough the provision of hlgh quality tempordry accommodation. education and specialist servic85. Our values are: Integrity - We are ethical. honest and transparent in our decisions and actions. Respect - We honour all people. acknowledge differences and always uphold dlgnlty. Hope - We are inspired by the possibilities for all people to find their strengths and take control of their lrfe choices. Compassion - We genuinely care for others. Courage - We are willing to fac8 challenges and be creative and imaginalive in finding solutions. Excellence - We strive to achieve excellenc8 across all our programmes and services. Our charitable activitses are conducted through four maln seNitss. Our Addiction Services provides accommodation. floating support and specialist outreach services. Our Floating Support and Resettlement Service provides support for families. young people and those living independently who may experience difficulties with mental health. Our Accommodation Services supports families and young people whilst in temporary accommodation and Smart Move provides private rented sector accommodation and tenancy support.
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Prlmary Objectives for the Yoar 2023124 Continue to PTovide high qualty SUPPM)rted aCmModatIOn wilh housing related support tr) people who are homeless across Northem Ireland. We will also ensure quality standards are in place across our projecls and services in line with best practice and regulatory requirements. Secure funding to continue with refvrbishment at Ardmoulin. Jefferson Court and Dillon Court accomrnodation projects. Work to further develop partnerships and wothng protocols with relevant agencies and organisations across the voluntary. wmmunity and statutory sectors. Continue to seek long tenn financial sustainabilty for our Smartmove Private Rented Sector Accommodation. Work to improve the quality and effectiveness of our Floating Support SeNice and consult with the Housing Executive and Supporting People to deliver models that suit the needs of our users. Ensure Complian with compulsory regislration requirements of the Northem Ireland Social Care Council on an annual basis arKI continue with <)ur commitment to Equal opponies. Our long-tenn commitment is to provide qualty serbices that offer value for money and dlce to our servicè users. We will continue to evaluate our services in conjunction our seNice users, offering them a voice and choice as to how services can meet their needs. We will also continue to work towards our strategio goals of championing early intervention. tsckling rough sleeping. supporting young people. promoting the private rented sector and improving the well-being of vulnerable people. Public Benefit The Trustees have considered the Charity legislatton whith sets out the requirements for charities to demonstrate the aims and activities are for public benefft. The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission Nl guidance on public benefiL The direct benefits flowing from our purposes indude redUd levels of homelessness and redUd risk of becoming homeless for people that use our serrf1. First Housing responds to the needs of people that ar8 homel8ss. or at risk of becoming homeless. through initiatives focused towards providing quality accommodation and support. The benefits to society include an increase in independent living within MmunitieS as individuals acqulre the skllls they need to do so. This is in line with the Strategic Direction of the new Strategy 'Ending Homelessness Together 2022-2027". Maln servlces provlded to furthor the charlty's purposes for publlc beneflt Temporary accommodation and sperAalised housing projects for sing18 P8rson households and families who are hom81ess. Supported housing in the comrnunty for people living yth mental health issues. Specialist accommodation projects for young people leaving care. young parents and people suffering alcohol abuse who are sleeping rough. Family Visitor servi in partnership with Westem Trust to deliver vital s8rvic8S to Young Parents. especially those whose Children have links to the Trust. Deliver accommodation with support for clients watling pemianent public sector housing. Our fo(JJs Is on safety and security and our temporary accommodation projects are staffed 2417 Resetuement and floating support ser¥ices for young people. families and people with mental health difficulties living in the community. Private sector housing and 'Smart Move. Private Sector Access Schemes for people requiring immediate and pennanenl housing. inclusive of those exduded through legislative frameworks namely The Homeless Persons Order (Nl) 1988 amended 2003 Mediation and tenancy support services for tenants living in the private rented sector. Property management and landlord support seNFces. Night Support Services and outreach support to rough sleepers and people with chronic alcohol issues in need of help and support. Services to provide young people that are homeless helping to target barriers to education. training. and employment. Support to those residing in Bed and Breakfast and other dispersed temporary accommodation where no other support is available.
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 These services are provided across Nothem Ireland by approximately 131 stsff members. To measurè public benefit, we use a bespoke database system (PSOCC} that allows us to recor(J the indNidual needs of our service users. the support prowded and the outcomes that have been achieved. Our overall ethos is one of prevention and help and support to enable individuals to move successfijlly into their community of choice and avoid re-occurring homelessness. Voluntsers As an organisation First Housing have valued the ntribution made to our services by very dedicated volunteers which in tum enables u5 to add value to the worf( we do. At Ramona House have a student from Southwest CcA18g8, Omagh. We also have a volunteer in our Gardening project, she is with us every Thursday for 34 hours. We also have visiting Stlent nurses at varying times of the year. We also have a student and volunteers at both Shepherds View and Dillon Court.
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Achlevements and parforniance Frontline Delivery Continue to provide high quality supported aCMMOdatIOn with housing related support to people who are homeless a(Yoss Northem Ireland. We will also ensure quality standards are in place across our projects and services in line with best practi and regulatory requirements. Work to improve the quality and effectiveness of our Floating Support Servic8 and consult with thé Housing Executive and Supporting People to deliver models that sutt Ihe needs of our users. Throughout the year First Housing continued lo provide high quality supported accomm(MJation with housing related support to homeless people across Northem Ireland. We responded to the needs of 4903 individuals in crisis requiring either accommodation. lloating support or advice and guidance. We are continuing to experience difficulties moving through our accommodation sep41S. In the main this is due to complexty of need and the fact there is less available move on accommodati¢)n at presenL Our service continues to support individuals with very complex needs related to benefit changes. mental ill health. and serious addiciion issues. As a result of this wa have found it necessary to inLYease the duration of support to people in crisis. Within our supported accommodation units. we provided accommodation to 487 individuals and families. This allows us to work in partnership with the NIHE {Northem Ireland Housing Executive) to fulfil their statutory duty under The Homeless Persons {Nl} Order 1988. as amended 2003. We have eight accommodation projects: Three. based in Belfast, Dery Cty and Strabane. working with families with a particular focus on children who have been in, or are at risk of being tsken into care. Two. based in Dery City and Omagh. working with people with drug and alcohol issues: the Dery City Project also has emergency beds and is dosely linked to a street outreach service trying to ensure that no one is sleeping OUL Two based in Derry Cty working with young people who have high support needs. again quite a number of these have recently left the care system. And one that provides a mix of p6mianent and temporary accommodation also in Strabane. In all, we have 145 units in management. We have a variety of Floating Support SeNices based in Belfast. DerylLondondery. Strabane. Omagh. Enniskillen and Limavady. All our Floating Support Servi$ are working over and above their capacity due to a marked increase in referrals. Floating Support Families (including sUPPOrt for those in dispersed accommodation) currently provide support to 321 families at any one time. In the last year. 3.042 families have recerved support from the service. The Youth Accommodation Support Service has a capacty to support 81 young people at any gtven time. In the last year, the total number supported was 281. The service for Older People has a capacity of 80 individuals and has dealt with 265 individuals in the past year. The Floating Support Hami Reduction Team has a capacty of 8 individuals and has dealt with 27 individuals in the past year. The B&B Floating Supportlcornplex Needs team has a capacity of 90 and has dealt wtth 194 cases in the past year.
FIRST HOUSINGAID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Mental Health Resettlement servi is rJJrrenlly in the process of a reconfiguration in consultation with Supporting People and the Trust to expand services to the communty. This proposal will offer a hybrid service of Accornmodation with support and resettlernent support within the (x)mmunty aimed at prevention of homelessness and sustainability of accommodation. The new Model would allow more capacity increasing from 17 at present to 30 service users. Challenges and Trends Increased Referrals: A marked year-on-year increase in referrals across all servIs. Economic Factors: The recession. cost of living rise. inflation. and increasing interest rates are contributing to the surge in demand. Mental Health and Addiction: A considerabl8 number of referrals involve individuals with mentsl health and addiction issues. Capacity Issues: SeThices are operating above capacity due to the inueased volume of referrals. Speclallst Support: The Specialist Floating Support Service has supported 310 individuals, induding rough sleepers and those with addiction and substance misuse issues. The Homelessness Situation: Each year new households present as homeless, requiring a response to their housing need. The statutory homeless acceptance rate is high compared to other areas on the mainland. In 2023124 the total number of applicants to the NIHE in the waiting list for social housing was 47,312. Of this number 35,464 were deemed to be in 'housing stress,. This means they had 30 or more points under the social housing selection scheme. Partnership Working First Housing continues to work in partnership under the Public Heallh Agenda with Arc and De Paul. lo deliver low threshold services to people in the community to individuals who are impacted by Alcohol and who have acute and complex needs. Our Harm Reduction Service continues to meet people l¥h8re they are af to help them to reduc8 the hams associated with addiction. We are also active participants in the folli)wing groups speofically focused on homelessness and health Local area Drug and Acohol Coordinalion Teams. NIHE Homelessness Strategy Forum. NIHE Regional Homelessness group. NIHE Client Reference Group. Jointly Comrnissioned Servi$ Group led by the Westem Trust and NIHE. Derry and Strabane Counal Task Force on Temporary accommodation. Causeway Local Area Action Group led by NIHE. Westem Trust Joint Commissioning servIs Group. PHA (Publlc Health Agency) Joint Consoriium. Through these partnerships staff members continue to have input into advocating and influencang policy and practice as well as ensuring quality s8nilce delivery. First Housing Aid & Support services continues to comply with compulsory registration for all relevant stsff with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Slgnlllcant Factors First Housing Aid & SuprM)rt Services remains Steadfast in ts mission to maintain and develop essential services for those in need. Despite reductlon in Covi&19 infeclions. we remain vigilan( ensuring the safety and well-being of our seTvice users and Staff. Undoubtedly. this year we have faced many difficulties. An economic dimate marked by infiation and rising energy 05ts presented significant challenges. Collaboration among statuiory agencies has been key in enabling us to provid8 comprehensive support. We welcome the intent frn Department of Communities to progress towards multi-year budgets. Progress and Collaboration We have witnessed inspiring examples of progress and collaboratton. Partnerships with lo(xl organisations have bolstered our efforts, and community support has be8n instrumental in navigating these trying times. Staff Development The complex needs of our service users demand that we remain committed to continuous staff development. This year. we will enhance our training programs to equip our team with the skills necessary to proifjde exceptional housing-related supporL Conclusion As we look to the future. we are encouraged by the strength and adaptability demonstrated by our organisation. We are dedicated to exploring all opportunities to respond effeclively and remain committed to the bettemient of our service users. lives. ort from our Parlners We are indebted to The Housing Executive, the Westem Trust. the Public Health Agency, the Oak Foundation. the Departrnent of Health and other voluntary partners in the comrnunty for their continued support. Financial review The Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) shows gross income from all sources and the split of activity belween restricted and unrestricted funds. Incoming Resources First Housing enjoys long standing relationships with several key funders. in the main the Northem Ireland Housing Executive Supporting People Programme and the Westem Health & Social Care Trust. Our services are funded either by contracl agreements. grant aid funding. or level agreements. Initial funding is awarded after a competitive tender process. Assuming the services successfully operate within agreed parameters, Contract agreements are renewed on a yearfy basis wtth seThi Level agreements generally running for three-year cycles. We are extremely proud of these long-tenn ass(Kiations and work drelessFy to attaln the qualty standards required by these core funding bodies. Additionally, we have r8ceived support from the NIHE Project Improvement Fund our Hoating Support Enniskillen service. We have also commenced our new project with funding from the Oak Foundation aimed at proving advic8 and homelessness prevention. This project began In January 2024 and will continue for three yeats. Funding was also secured from Department of Health to allow employees to enhance their training and complete Level 5 certifications. In March 2024. Supporting People announced a noreCurring payment would be made in the amount of approximately 4.25°kn of 202312024 funding.. WHSCT (Westem Health & Social Care Trust) also announced uplifts of 0.8% and 0.49% which was to be backdated to April 2023. Both the non-recurrent payment and uplifts were extremely welcomed and provided much needed reassurance in our seNices. Total income for th8 year was £5.562.321 of which approximately 99% was generated from charitable activities including receipt of grant aid funding. The balance of income was generated from donations and legacies received and other income. Total expenditure by the charity was £5.227.823. all of which was exnded on direct charitabl8 activities. The balance on unrestricted funds and restrtcted funds at the period end was £646,995 and £663.291 respectively.
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Rèserves Pollcy The Trustees consider it prudent to hold monies in reseNe in the event that unforeseen circumstances should lead to financial difficultles which might put the future of the aims and obJ"ectives of the charity in doubt. Free reserves are defined by the Tnsslees as unrestrictsd income funds freely available for use as the charity so determines and thereby exdudes any fun(&s committed. invested in tangible fjx8d assets held by the tharity and restricted or designated funds. The Trustees have established a ftjnnal policy whith stipulates that free reserves be maintsined at a level based on the costs required to cease the charitys activities in an orderfy fashion in the event that a significant drop of funding does not allow the continuation of servlces. At the reporting date. the Trustees hav8 calculated the level of reserves required in such a scenario to be in the region of £600,000. Free reserrfes as at 31 st March 2024 are £608.537. The Trustees continue to strive to build a general level of reserves in accordance wrth their policy. Risk Management The Trustees. in conjunctlon the senior management team. are aware of the major risks to which the chartty is exposed. Where appropriate. system5 or procedures have been established to mtligate the risks the charity faces. Intemal control risks are minimised through the procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedure5 are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the group. Procedures are In place to ensure Complian with applicable lavts and regulations and are reviewed periodically to ensure that they meet the needs of the chaiity. Plans for future periods Continue to provide high qualty sup1 accommodation with hwsing related support to people who are homeless across Northem Ireland. This will involve working closely with our current funding bodies to ensure financial sustainability. Continue to develop partnerships and working protocols wilh relevant agencies and organisations across the voluntary. communty and statutory sectors. Continue to build future financial sustainability for our Smartmove Privats Rented SectorAccommodalion FurthBr develop the qualty and effectiveness of our alcohol and addiction services. Furth8r d8velop the quality and effectiveness of our Floating Support Service. Ensure complianc8 With compulsory registration requirements of the North8m Ir8land Social Care Council on an annual basis. Focus on initiatives to address isolation amongst young people. Due to the success of programmes urrently running in Jefferson Court and throughout the Dispersed Outreach Programme. we will continug to build on the proMsion of diversionary activities that provide valuable Itfe ski115. build confidence. self- esteem, and motivation arnongst our young people. Continue with our commitment to Equal Opportunities. Review. revise and update our infonnation and publicity materials for the organisation. We will revl8W. revise. and update our company website. Ensure quality standards are maintained across our projects and services in line with best practi and regulatory requirements. Focus on continued seNce user involvemerrt. Continue with the development of our new housing advice sepiice from bases in Enniskillen, Omagh. LiTnavady, Derry Cty. BelfasVAntrim, and AmaghlLurgan covéring a wide range of housing and housing related issues to 4.500 clients annually.
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Opèratlonal Changes Some of the changes introduced during th8 parKlernlc Increased our overall efficienoy and have been retained for that reason alone. These indude working from home for some staff. particulady the Floating Support staff. the use of laptops and smartphones rather than desktops and landlines and making better use of video conferences to reduce the amount of time we spend travelling to and from meetirKJs. The challenging environm8nt in vthich we delivered services during the Pandemic demonstrated the importance of good employee relations. a highly experienced and dedi(zted staff team and our commitment to training and developmenL All will be maintained in the future. We actively encourage service user involvement to shape the delNery of our services. The development of user groups in certain projects, in which clients who have benefrted from our services continue to meet to provide support for each other, is another welcome new development we plan to continue. structurei governance and management Governing Document First Housing Aid and Support Services is a company limited by guarantee and does not have a shared capital. A memorandum and Arbdes of Association govem it and the liability of each member is limited to an amount not exceeding £1. The Trustees have ultimate legal and financial responsibilty for the affairs of First Housing. although the management of the organisation has generally been delegated to staff. through the Chief Officer. The Trustees of the company. all of whom hav8 be8n Trustees for a full year unless Otherwise Stated. are listed on th8 first page of this d¢xument. The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law. and who served during the year wer8: Phil Mahon (Chairp8rson) steph8n Connolly Patrick Gray Deborah Lamberton Lucy Campfield Sharon Williams Gerry Bums Method of Appointment of Trustees The Board of Trustees manages the prOs5 of recruitment and appointrnent of Trustees. and may admit to mernbershlp any parson interested in promoting the objects (primary purpose) of the company. Governance Review The Trustees remain satisfied that First Housing Aid & Support Services is compliant Viith good governance practices in line with the requirements of the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland. Organisational Structure Chief Officer Mr. Kevin Wright Senior Mana ement Team Director of Operations Mrs Eileen Best Head of Finan Mrs. Gemma Mc Whirter Head of HR & Training Mrs Sinead Mc Fadden Head of Floating Support & Resettlement Mrs Lorraine Lambert
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES LTD TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Board of Trustees has overall legal responsibilty for the charity. The Senior Management Team provides a 8 we8Y report to the Board in writing and every Board is attended by the Chief Officer. the Director of Operations. the Head of Finance and the Head of Human Resources. Eath Projecvservice has a Managerl Covordinator and a Deputy Manager. where appropriate. There are robust reporting structures in place throughout the organisation. statement of Trustees. responsibilities The Trustees. who are also the directors of Flrst Housing Atd & Support seNis Ltd for the purposè of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordan with applicable law and United lQngdom Accountin9 Standards (United ngdorn GenerallyAccepied Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a INe and fair view of the state of affrS of the charity arKI of the incoming resources and application of reSoUrs, including the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these finanoal statements. the Trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently: - observe the methods and prinaples in the Charities SORP. - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent state whether applitrable UK Accountlng Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements: and prepare the finanal statements on the going conrn basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements compty with the Companles 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. Auditor In accordance with the companls artides. a resolution proposing that Moore (Nl) LLP be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. Disclosure of information to audilor Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit. but of which the auditor is is unaware. They have fvrther confimied that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such infomiation. The Trustees. report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Phil Mahon (Chairperson) Trustee 20 Dernber 2024 10-