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 advan￿ment 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 aC￿mModatIOn 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 oppo￿ni￿es.
Our long-tenn commitment is to provide qualty serbices that offer value for money and d￿lce 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 redU￿d levels of homelessness and redU￿d 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 y￿th 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 St￿lent 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 aC￿MMOdatIOn 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 sep41￿S. 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 servI￿s.
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 servI￿s 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 fr￿n 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 no￿reCurring 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 ex￿nded 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 prO￿s5 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
we8￿Y 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 seNi￿s 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 aff￿rS of the charity arKI of the incoming resources and application of reSoUr￿s, 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 finan￿al statements on the going con￿rn 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 De￿rnber 2024
10-