Charity registration number NIC 106091 (Northern Ireland)
BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
MrA H MacLaughlin
Mrs H D Ferres
Mrs G M Clarke
Mrs S Cunningham
Mr R D Perceval-Pri¢e
Mr R R Mcclure
MrA L Sweeney
Professor A Stitt
Mr R W Gardiner
Mr S Rankin
Ms E Gowdy
ProfessorAAzuaro-Blanco
Mrs S Mccracken
Ms C Fullerton
(Appointed 16 May 2024)
(Appointed 16 May 2024)
(Appointed 16 May 2024)
Charity number (Northern Ireland)
NIC 106091
Principal address
12 Sharman House
Old Windmill Road
Crawfordsburn
Co Down
BT19 1XN
Independent examiner
Miscampbell & Co
6 Annadale Avenue
Belfast
BT7 3JH
Solicitors
King & Gowdy
298 Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3EJ

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees, report
Independent examinerfs report
Statement of financial activities
Balance sheet
Notes to the financial statements
7-12

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
History
The BelfastAssociation for the Employment of the Industrious Blind was established in 1871 to provide employment
for blind people. The Workshops for the Blind (the trading name of the Association) traded for over 100 years,
before selling its business and premises in Lawnbrook Avenue, Belfast to Ulster Sheltered Employment Limited, a
government sponsored concem in 1980.
The Trustees of the association invested the proceeds from the sale of the Lawnbrook premises and the charity's
title was then changed to The Belfast Association for the Blind. Its constitution was amended under a Cy Pres
scheme which was approved by the Court on 21 June 1982.
The association was registered with The Charity Commission for Northem Ireland in 2018, its registered number
being NIC 106091.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the
financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008,
FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Charities SORP
"Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their
accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland (FRS
102)"
Objectives and activiti8S
a. Policies and objectives
The principal activity of the Association during the year continued to be that of giving financial assistance to
registered blind people within Northern Ireland, to former employees of the Workshops for the Blind and to voluntary
organisations closely associated with the blind.
Other bodies receiving assistance are those in the field of education and medical research and equipment in
relation to the blind and visually impaired.
b. Main acttvlties undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for the public benefit
The ¢harity has several activities running. The results of the main ones are listed in the Review of activities below:
Public benefit
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities it
charity should undertake.

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
During the year the association made and ¢ommitted donations, grants and gratuities to people who are blind and
visually impaired in N Ireland, ex-employees of the Workshops for the Blind and charities for the blind amounting to
£48,450 (last year £48,010).
The major elements of these donations included £18,314 to Angel Eyes and £5,000 to Ms Claire Bowes, who lost
her sight in the Omagh bomb, and who is now pursuing a PhD in musical studies. The association is ￿mmItted to
maintaining support for both Angel Eyes and Ms Bowes for at least the next two years.
No support was given during the year for any research projects at either Queens University or the University of
Ulster. The association has however committed to support a project to be Carried out over the next 18 months to
assess the number of people in N Ireland with severe visual loss and socio-economic deprivation. This support is
expected to amount to approximately £70,000 over the next two financial years.
It is likely that, because of the increasing cost of research projects. the association's grants in future are more likely
to be geared towards education and development of ophthalmology students, and provision of appropriate
equipment.
Financial review
Financial Performance
The Statement of Financial Activities, which incorporates the Income and Expenditure Account for the year. Can be
found on Page 5 of this report. The net movement of funds for the year shows an increase of £69,350, compared to
decrease of £118,628 last year, largely due to the reduction in research funding as noted above.
The association recorded a surplus of £32.732 {last year deficit £105,833) before realised and unrealised gains on
investments of £36,618 {last year losses of £12,795). At the year end therefore the association had accumulated
unrestricted funds amounting to £2,382,089 (last year £2,312,739).
The investment policy of the trustees, guided by the association's advisors. Evelyn Partners, is aimed at long term
growth in capital and revenue funding. The value of the association's investments at the year end amounted to
£2,322,313, representing a small increase of 2.65 % from the previous year. There was however a decrease in
income from the investments during the year of almost £6,000.
Since the year end, there has been considerable tumioil in the financial markets, resulting in a fall in the value of our
portfolio at the date of writing of approximately 7%. Estimated income for the year ahead is also projected to fall to
approximately £85,000.
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expedation that the Charity has adequate
resources to Continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the
going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going
concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
ReseNes policy
The Association actively manages its investment portfolio so as to maximise returns to the Association within
acceptable risks and to provide adequate reserves to meet the needs of the Charity into the foreseeable future. The
running costs of the Charity are negligible in the context of the reserves held.

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Plans for future perlods
Future policy will be to ensure a proper balance between capital growth and sufficient revenue to provide for the
needs of the Association as budgeted by it and approved by the Trustees
Structurei governance and management
Belfast Association for the Blind is a registered charity, number NIC 106091. and is constituted under a Trust deed
The Trustees who seNed during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were..
MrA H Ma¢Laughlin
Professor D B Archer
Mrs H D Ferres
Mrs G M Clarke
Mrs S Cunningham
Mr R D Perceval-Price
Mr R R Mcclure
MrA L Sweeney
Professor A Stitt
Mr R W Gardiner
Mr S Rankin
Ms E Gowdy
ProfessorAAzuaro-Blanco
Mrs S Mccracken
Ms C Fullerton
(Retired 16 May 2024)
(Appointed 16 May 2024)
{Appointed 16 May 2024)
(Appointed 16 May 2024)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The Association is managed by a Board of Trustees which meets on a regular basis, chaired by Mr A H
MacLaughlin_ The appointment of new Trustees is made by the existing Trustees. The policy of the Trustees is to
ensure a broad representation of experience and professional expertise. No remuneration is paid to the Trustees
Funds held as custodian trustee
No funds are held as custodian on behalf of others
The Trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr A H MacLaughlin
Trustse
15 May 2025

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages
5t012.
Respective responsibilities of charity Trustees and examiner
As the charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the
Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to..
• examine the financial statements under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008-,
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9){b)
of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008., and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
I have examined your charity finan¢ial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern
Ireland) 2008 and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity
Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65{9}(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of
the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presenled with those
records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking
explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe that..
1. A¢Gounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act (Northem Ireland)
2008,- or
2. The financial statements do not accord with those accounting records., or
3. The financial statements do not Comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act (Northern
Ireland) 2008., or
4. There is further information needed for a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Independent examlner's statement
I have completed my examination and I have no concerns in respect of the matters {1) to (41 listed above and. in
Connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland, I have found no matters
that require drawing to your attention.
Miscampboll & Co
6 Annadale Avenue
Belfast
BT7 3JH
15 May 2025

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
un￿strICted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
Investments
100
91,637
640
97,732
Totsl income
91,737
98,372
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Other expenditure
6,271
52,580
154
6,438
197,521
246
Total expenditure
59,005
204,205
Net gainsl{losses) on investments
10
36.618
(12,795)
Net incomel(expenditure) and movement in funds
69,350
(118,628)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
2,312.739
2,431.367
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
2,382,089
2,312,739
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure
derive from continuing activities.

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Fixed assets
Investments
12
2,322,313
2,261,926
Current assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
13
9,541
59,349
39,192
17,059
68,890
56,251
Crèditors: amounts falllng due within
one year
14
{9,114)
(5,4381
Net current assets
59,776
50,813
Total assets less current liabilities
2,382,089
2.312,739
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
15
2,382,089
2,312,739
2,382,089
2,312,739
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 15 May 2025
MrA H MacLaughlin
Trustee
Mr R R Mcclure
Trustee

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accounting policies
Charity information
Belfast Association for the Blind is a registered charity, number NIC 106091, and is constituted under a Trust
deed
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the
Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement ol
Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" The charity is a Public Benefit
Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of
cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary
amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical Cost convention. The principal accounting
policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going Concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees
continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable
objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The
purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the
charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met,
the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be re￿ived.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified
of the donation, unless performanGe conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in
relation to donations received under GiftAid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution.
the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a
contingent asset.

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accounting policies
Icontinued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or Constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a
third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of
the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of dir￿1 costs and
shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single
activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which Contribute to more than one activity and
support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned be￿een those activities on a basis
consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and
depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use.
1.6 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are
subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net
incomel(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown
within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12
'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes paty to the
contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities a￿ offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when
there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net
basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financlal assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at
transaction price including transaction Costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective
interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is
measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets
classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless
the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. where the debt instrument is measured at the present
value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities ¢lassified as payable
within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently Garried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of
operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one
year or less. If not. they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade ¢reditors are recognised initially at
transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accounting policies
(Continued)
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are dere¢ognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or
cancelled.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity's a¢¢ounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements,
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent
from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other
factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that
period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future
periods.
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Donations and gifts
100
640
Income from investments
Unrestri¢ted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Income from listed investments
Interest receivable
91,212
425
97,356
376
91,637
97,732
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestrl¢ted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Investment management
6,271
6,438

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Expenditure on charitable activitles
Charitable
expediture
2024
Charitable
expediture
2023
Direct costs
Gratuties to ex-employees of WFB
Donations to individuals
Grants & appeals
Publication costs
16,400
10,136
23,914
18,200
11,960
161,349
4,272
50,450
195.781
Share of support and governance Costs (see note 7)
Governance
2,130
1,740
52,580
197,521
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
52,580
197,521
Support costs allocated to activiti85
2024
2023
Independent examination fee
2,130
1,740
Analysed between:
Charitable expediture
2,130
1,740
Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the
charity during the year.
Employees
There were no employees during the year.
10-

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10 Galns and losses on investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Gainsl(losses) arising on:
Realised gainsl(losses} on sale of investments
Unrealised gainsl(losses) on revaluation of investments
16,441
20,177
(17.318)
4,523
36,618
(12,795)
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
12 Fixed asset investments
Unlisted
investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Valuation changes
ProfiV{loss) on sales at cost
Disposals
2,261,926
729,447
36,618
(179,287)
(526,391)
At 31 December 2024
2.322,313
Carrying amount
At 31 De¢ember 2024
2,322,313
At 31 December 2023
2,261,926
13 Current asset investments
2024
2023
Unlisted investments
9,541
39,192
11

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
7,314
1,800
4,000
1,438
9,114
5,438
15 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds ofthe charity comprise the unexpended balan¢es of donations and grants which are
not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include
designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
At 1 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
Ioss8S
At31
December
2024
General funds
2,312,739
91,737
{59.0051
36,618
2,382,089
Previous year:
At 1 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At31
December
2023
General funds
2.431,367
98,372
(204,2051
(12,795)
2,312,739
12-