Company Registration Number . Nl 636051 Derry Samaritans Financial Statements and Trustees. Report for the year ended 31 March 2025
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Contents Page Legal and Administrative Infomiats'on Trustees, Report Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 Balan Sheet as at 31 March 2025 9-10 Notes to the Accounts
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Legal and Administrative Information Status . The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee. incorporated in Northern Ireland on 27 January 2016 and is recognised as a charity by Revenue & Customs. The governing document is a Memorandum and Articles Of Association. Directors: Rosemary O'tk)herty Brian Logue Noella O'Neill Giovanni Doran Eamon Fisher Jacqueline Ferris Accountants . Dohety & Co Accountants Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants The Amp 11 Ebrington Square Derry BT47 6FA Main Bankers . Bank Of Ireland 27 Culmore Road Derry BT48 8JB Solicitors . Hasson & Co 3941 Clarendon Street Derry BT48 7ER Registered Office: 16 Clarendon Street Derry BT48 7ET Company Number . NI 636051 Charty Commission of Northern Ireland Number: NIC 106360 Page 1
Derry Samaritans Trustees, Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The Directors are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Directors, report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The financial statements comply wrth the Charitj'es Act (NII 2022, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reports'ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019.) Structure, Governance and Management Derry Samaritans was incorporated on 27 January 2016 and is a Private Company, Limited by Guarantee.The company is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company number is Nl 636051 and the registered office is 16 Clarendon Street, Derry BT48 7ET. The company is a registered Northern Ireland charity - reference NIC 106360. Management, Intemal Control and Risk Management The day-to-day management of the Charity is the SpOnsIbl11ty of the Trustees of the Charity, who are responsible for the implementation of Samaritans strategy and to support the work of Samaritan volunteers in the Charity. The trustees meet every 6-8 weeks and a minimum of 4 times per year. The Trustees have the overall responsibility for the system of intemal control for the Charity, including the safety of Charity assets and the integrity of the accounting Produres. Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable company (the Charity) are the trustees for the purposes of Charity Law. The trustees during the year end and at 31 March 2025 were as follows.. Rosemary O'Dohety Brian Logue Noella O'Neill Giovanni Doran Eamon Fisher Jacqueline Ferris Publi¢ Benefit ststement Derry Samaritans offers support to those at risk of suicide by being there to listen and encourage the recognition and exploration of their options. By doing so we aim to help people find ways of coping with their distress without choosing to die by suicide. We also seek to support those whose distress is less acute, in the hope that they will not reach the point of feeling that they wish to end their lives. We make our support available in many ways, including by telephone, email. letter, and face-to-face. Samaritans, service is open to people who are suicidal, despairing or are in distress. The branch provides a service primarily intended for the benefit of persons in Derry and the surrounding area. However, it also works with all Samaritan branches to ensure 24-hour availability of the Servi across the UK. The Trustees confim that they have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Branch's aims and objectives in planning future activities. Page 2
Derry Samarltans Trustees, Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Objectives and Activities The objects of the Charity are.. (al to enable persons in Derry and the surrounding area {but without specific limitstions as to area) who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive confidential emotional support at any time of the day or night to improve their emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide. Ib) to promote a better understanding in society of suicide, suicidal behaviour. and the value of expressing feelings which may otherwise lead to suicide or impaired emotional health; and (c) to collaborate with and support the Samaritans Central Charity and its affiliated branches in fulfilling these objectives. Vision, Mission and Values Samaritans, Vision is that fewer people die by suicide. We work to achieve this by making it our Mission to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicidal feelings and suicidal behaviour. We do this by being available round the clock to provide emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of emotional distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Reaching out to high-risk groups and communities to redu the risk of suicide. Working in partnership with other organisations, agencies and experts to achieve our Vision. Influencing public policy and raising awareness of the challenges of reducing suicide. - We are committed to the followin9 Values. Listening Confidentialrty People making their own decisions Being non judgemental Human Contact Achievements and Perforniance Calls and Emails responded to :. In the 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025 our volunteers responded to 19,520 calls by telephone and email, and 2,232 contacts outside the 8ranch at 19 events. Fa-to-Face, Outreach and Awareness Raising :_ We have continued supporting people through our telephone and email helplines, which remained open 2417. However, we understand that some people prefer to talk to a Samantans volunteer in person. We are working towards reintroducing the face-to-face service. but first we need to do some work to review and improve the way it is delivered. It's an important service and we need to make sure that ifs as effective as possible for both the people who use the Servi and our volunteers. We are delighted that we have been able to begin the Outreach events to local community organisations such as sports clubs, health awareness events and student events. These opportunitses offer awareness of our Servi and how people can contact us for support or to volunteer. Page 3
Derry Samaritans Trustees. Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Volunteers Derry Samaritans could not operate without the dedItIon and skill of our volunteers who lead the branch in every aspect of its work, and we thank every one of them for their continuing commitment to the needs of our callers. Our service continues to be delivered over the daytime and ovemight hours. During this year we had an average of 69 Listening Volunteers who respond to our callers by phone and email and we had 8 volunteers on leave. We have 2 support volunteers who include our Treasurer and Martin who supports the Treasure. We regularly recruit listening volunteers throughout the year. this year we offered tsvo in-branch Core Development training courses and trained 22 new volunteers. We also have volunteers who chose to retire and this year we said a fond farewell to Phyllis 83 after 44 years of volunteering and Kathleen 147 after 40 years of volunteering. We thank them for their sep4ice to our callers and their fellow volunteers. This year the training team also supported various roles in the Branch by delivering training to'.- Leaders who support volunteers during their duties with any issues that may arise or when safeguarding procedures are followed. Interviewers - for applicants to train as listening volunteers Outreach - ft)r volunteers wishing to support outreach events or deliver emotional support outside the Branch. Mentors - mentors for new Samaritans are trained several times a year Volunteers are our largest asset within the Branch and the organisation. Our volunteers play an active role in the UK and Ireland wide organisation. We have one serving on the Strategic Advisory Board to Samaritans Ireland as the N Ireland representative. we have several volunteers working with some of the hubs delivering the email responses to callers and the listening-in service of the Quality Hub. And one volunteer who is active as a Regional Quality Development OffIr supporting branches in the UK and Ireland. Related Partles Derry Samaritans is a recognised branch of Samaritans, a company limited by guarantee (No 757372), having its registered office at The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AF. The Charity works with the Samaritans Central Chanty to promote a better understanding in society of suicide and suicidal behaviour. This includes support for and participation in organisation wide initiatives and activities at a local level. Financial review During the year income of £46,722 was received and total costs were £39,519. This left a surplus for the year of £7,203 which when added to opening reserves of £201,048 left the Charity with reserves at the year end of £208,251 at the year end. The Directors were pleased with the results for the year. The unrestricted resep4es at the year*nd were £208,251. Page 4
Derry Samaritans Trustees, Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Principal Risks The principal risks facing the branch are insufficient volunteers to keep the branch open, insufficient funds to run the branch and the possibility of breach of confidentiality. New volunteer recruitment is essential to ensure that we aayS have adequate cover. Through information sessions, a careful interview process followed by a comprehensive training programme, we have over the past year increased the number of volunteers by 8 at the year end. Fundraising is also essential to meet running costs as well as to pay a contribution to the central charity towards the costs of the seNices and systems, without which branches could not operate. A cornerstone of Samarttans, service is that all those vtho contact us are guaranteed a confidential and non-judgemental conversation with a trained volunteer. Policies and procedures. including DBS checks, continuous development training for all volunteers, are in place to ensure we deliver a safe service. Reserves Policy and Going Concern As branch income is heavily dependent on donations rt cannot be guaranteed. The Trustees consider that around 18 months of annual expenditure is an appropriate level of reserves to maintain, to meet working capital needs. In addition, the Trustees set up a fund of £50,000 in designated reserves to cover the cost of future renovations to the premises to make them more accessible and suitable for growing our number of active listening volunteers. Appointment of Trustees Trustees are elected by the members of the Branch at the Annual General Meeting. Appointment of the Chair (Branch Director) is subject to approval by the Samaritans Central Charity. There have been no changes to the Trustees in this year. 16 Clarendon Street In the last few years, we've considered the work that could be carried out to improve access to our building for all volunteers but have realised that completing that task is not possible and we have been looking at another option which is moving the Branch to another propety and l¢xation. We are very fortunate that a group of volunteers had the vision to ensure our Branch had their own premises and went about purchasing and renovating 16 Clarendon Street over 30 years ago which means we have an asset to sell and help us fund the purchase of our next home. And the Trustees have been diligent in building a fund for moving and renovation works over the last few years which will allow us to carry-out the work to our new Branch premises without accumulating debt for the Charity. The Trustees have been searching for a new home for the Branch and recently completed the purchase of a detached propety at 16 Buncrana Road. The planning for the renovation of the building to provide a suitable space for our volunteers to deliver the Samaritans service from is underway. Page 5
Derry Samarttans Trustees. Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Statement of Trustees. Responsibilities The Charity Trustees (who are also the directors of the Dery Samaritans for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a Trustees, Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom.Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the profit or loss of the company for that year. In preparing these the Trustees are required to" select suitable accounts.ng policies and apply them consistently" -obseDie the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., - make judgements that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., prepare the financial ststements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropnate to presume that the organisation will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the organisation_ They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. This report VRS approved by the Board on 22 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by Mr Giovanni Doran Director Page 6
Dery Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Independent Examinerfs report to the Charity Trusteos of Derry Samaritans Year ended 31 March 2025 I reFX)rt solely to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. To the fullest extent permitted by law. I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Derry Samaritans and its Trustees as a body for my work or for this report. As a practising member of the Chartered Association Of Certified Accountants l am subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at www.accaglobal.com. Respectlve responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner As the Charity Trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law> you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act (Northem Ireland} 2008. Having satisfied myself that the charity Is not subject to an audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: -examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act. -follow the procedures laid down in general directs'ons given by the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland under section 65(91{b) of the Charities Act. -state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carned out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9>{b) of the Chanties Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanatsons 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 conrn to believe.. 1. that accounting records were not kept as required by with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and section 63 of the Charities Act., 2. that the accounts do not accord with those accounting records", 3. that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act and with methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practise applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic Of Ireland. 4. that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examinefs statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to {4) 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. Step n Dohe FCC Chartered Certified Accountant The Amp 11 Ebrington Square Derry 22 December 2025 Page 7
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Statement of Financial Activities for the year Ended 31 March 2025 Unrestrlcted Restricted Funds Funds Totals Totals 2024 Notes Incomin Resources Donations, legacies and similar incoming reSoUrS 16,450 16,450 20,653 Income from activities of furtherance of charitable objects 27,516 27,516 25,656 Income from activits'es for generating funds 2.756 2,756 5,888 Total Incomlng resources 46.722 46,722 52,197 Resources Ex ended Charitable expenditure: Furtherance of charitsble activrties 20,376 20,376 22,958 Management and administration 17,699 17.699 23,103 Depreciation 1,445 Total resources expended 39,519 39,519 47,506 Net movement in funds in year 7,203 7,203 4,691 Totsl funds brought forward at 31 March 2024 201,048 201,048 196,357 Totsl funds carried forward at 31 March 2025 208,251 208.251 201,048 There are no recognised gains or losses other than the profit or loss for the above financial year. Page 8
Derry Samaritsns Company limited by guarantee Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Totals 2025 Totals 2024 Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 381,438 381,438 83,639 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets 2,171 125,919 128,090 132,015 132,015 132,015 132,015 Creditors: amounts falling due withln one year (305,202) {305,202) (10,681) Net current assets (173,187) (173,187) 117,409 Totsl assets less current liabilities 208,251 208,251 201,048 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Net assets 208,251 208,251 201,048 The Funds of the Charlty Funds 208,251 208,251 201,048 For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under sects'on 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors responsibilities.. The members have not required the company to obtsin an audit of its financial ststements for the year in question in accordance with section 476, The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime and in accordance with FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,. Page 9
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee These financial ststements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 22 December 2025, and are signed on behalf of the Board by., Mr Gio Director nni Doran Company Registratlon Number . Nl 636051 Page 10
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial ststements Year ended 31 March 2025 General infomiation The Charity is a private company limbted by guarant&, registered in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is 16 Clarendon Street, Derry. BT48 7ET. Accounting policies Basis of preparatlon Charities.. Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) (Charities SORP IFRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Derry Samaritans meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at histoncal cost or transaction value unless otheiSe stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). Turnover Turnover represents the total value of donations, grants reiVed and receivable during the year and other income received. Grants are recognised in the Profit and Loss account when the conditions for their reIpt have been complied with and there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received. Taxation During the current year the company has only been involved in charitable activities in furtherance of its charitable objects and is not liable to Corporation Tax. Tangible assets Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost. and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impaimient losses. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic lrfe of that asset as follows: 8uilding Plant and machinery 0% reducing balance Financial instruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Page 11
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements {continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Limited by guarantee Derry Samaritans is a registered charity limited by guarantee without a Sha capital. Company Number.. Nl 636051 Charty Commission of Nl Number". NIC 106360 Funds Unrestricted Revenue Funds - comprise those revenue funds which the management committee are free to use in accordance with the company obiects'ves. Restricted Revenue Funds - comprise those revenue funds which have been given for particular purposes and projects. S. Income Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Totals 2025 Totals 2024 Donations le acies and similar Incomin resources Donations 16,450 16.450 16,450 16,450 20,653 20,653 Income from charitable activities WHSCT 27,516 27.516 25,656 27,516 27.516 25,656 Income from other activities Bank interest Fundraising 2,756 2,756 1,700 4,188 5,888 2.756 Totsl 46,722 46,722 52,197 Page 12
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial staternents Icontinued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Resources expended Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Totsls 2025 Totals 2024 Furtherance of charitable activities Volunteer expenses Publicity Telephone & intemet Computer costs Total 14,243 2,974 1,339 1.820 20,376 14,243 2,974 1,339 1.820 10,970 8,807 1,505 1,676 Mana ement and administratfjon costs Branch Contribution (NBC) Light and heat Insurance House keeping expenses Repairs and maintenance Printing, postage and ststionery Training Accountancy fees Donations Bank charges Profit on exchange General expenses Total 1,869 2,891 1,103 3,648 2,240 60 1,869 2,891 1,103 3,648 2,240 60 9,464 2,787 2.154 3,451 1,140 598 390 924 924 4,167 62 426 309 17,699 924 4,167 62 426 309 17,699 157 520 1,518 23,103 De reciation Depreciation 1,445 1,445 1,444 Total resources expended 39,519 39,519 47,506 Staff costs The average number of persons employed by the company during the year, including the directors was 0 (2024. 0). No remuneration was paid to the directors during the year. Page 13
Derry Samarftans Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements Icontinued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Tangible assets Freehold Fixtures, propety fittings and equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions 80,879 299,243 50,400 131,279 299,243 At 31 March 2025 380,122 50,400 430,522 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year 47,640 47,640 At 31 March 2025 49,084 49,084 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 380,122 1,316 381,438 At 31 March 2024 80,879 2,760 83,639 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Accruals 305,202 10,681 305,202 10,681 Page 14
Derry Samaritans Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements (continued Year ended 31 March 2025 10. Analysls of charitable funds Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds Balance at IncomingResources 1 April 2024 Resources Expended Transfers Funds at 31 March 2025 General Fund 201,048 46,722 (39,519) 208,251 201,048 46,722 (39,519) 208,251 Name of unrestricted fund Description of the Fund General Funds Funds which the Charity is able to apply freely in pursuit of its own charitsble objectives and related purposes. Analysis of movements in restricted funds Balance at IncomingResources 1 April 2024 Resources Expended Transfers Funds at 31 March 2025 Restricted Fund Name of restricted fund Restricted Fund Description of the Fund Funds which the Chanty applies for particular purposes and projects in pursuit of its charitsble objectives. Analysis of net assets between funds General Restricted Fund Fund 381,438 Total 381,438 Fixed Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors 132,015 {305,202) 132,015 (305,202) Total 208,251 208.251 Page 15