Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre IA company Ilmltgd by guarantee, not having a share capltall TRUSTEES, AND OTHER INFORMATION Trustees Ms Rachael Jane Jeffers Ms Mary Josephine McGuckin Mr Gerard Lynch Mr Michael Murphy Mr Joseph Wlson Mrs Mary Devlin HMRC number XR43114 Company Number N1040301 Charity Number NIC106396 Registered Office and Principal Address 20 Queen Street Magherafelt Co Londondery BT45 6AB Northem Ireland Accountsnts R TJRoss&Co Chartered Accountants 44 Molesworth st￿et Cookstown Co Tyrone BT80 8PA Northem Ireland Bankers Bank of Ireland 11 Market Street Magherafelt Londonderry BT45 6EE Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre IA Gompany limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) The trustees present their Trustees, Annual Report and the unaudited financial stalemenls for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial slatements have been prepared in accordanGe with the accounting poli¢ies sel out in Note 1 to the financial slatements and comply with the company's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, Part 8 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, other applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice {SORP>, FRS102 and with the financial reporting standards applicable to tharilies preparing Iheir accounts. GOVERNING DOCUMENT The organisation is a private charitable company limited by guarantee, having been incorporated on 28 February 2001. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is govemed under its Article of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Structure, Governance and Management The charity is committed to Ihe principles of Corporate Govemance. and Ihrough the development of various manuals, will Gapture all intemal and exlemal processes and pro￿dure5. The detailing of the company's activities in this way will ensure we follow best practice guidelines and demonstrate appropriate openness, transparency and accountability in all of our business activities. Embracing Corporate Govemance ensures Ihat as an organisation we adhere to the highest standards of integrity in carrying out our business and managing our finances. The company is fully aware of its responsibiltties and Ihe need for accountability. particularly in relation to the management of public money. Management Committee as at the 31 Ma￿h 2024 May Devlin Gerry Lynch Michael Murphy Joseph Wilson Josephine McGuckin Treasurer Ms Rachael Jane Jeffers Chairperson Vice Chairperson Principal Risks and Uncertainties The directors have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Appropriate system5 and internal conlrols are in place throughout the charity's processes and procedures to provide clear accountability and lo mitigate those tisks which the charity faces. The company seeks lo maintain high standards in the management of risk and the processes in place reviewed annually to ensure their relevance. Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre (A company limlt8d by guarantee, not havlng a share capltall The trustees, who are also the directors of the charity, at the date of this report and those who served during thé financial year together with the dates of any changes are set out on page 3 and are listed below. Trustees The trustees who served during the year are as follows.. Mrs Mary Devlln Mr Gerard Lynch Mr Michael Murphy Mr Joseph Wilson Ms Mary Josephine M¢Gu¢kln Ms Rachael Jane Jeffers In accordance with the Constitution, the trustees retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. Objectives and Actlvlties The objects of Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre as set out in our Articles are to advance community development by promoting and providing volunteering opportunities and activilies for the benefit of individuals and communities throughout Mid Ulster and by supporting and developing Ihe work of community and voluntary groups and organisations in charitable activity which seeks to improve Ihe quality of life of the inhabitants of the Mid Ulster. Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre aims to advance education and training for the public benefit by delivering training and mentoring to volunteers, staff and directors I management committee members of volunteering-involving organisalions in the area of benefit. Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre also aims to promote personal development with a view to enabling the community to enhance Iheir social and personal skills and develop and participate in valued roles in the community. Public Benefit Statement In setting our objectives and planning our activilies for the year the trustees have given Gareful consideralion to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit to ensure aclivities have helped lo athieve the harity's purpose and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries. Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre {A company Ilmlted by guarantee, not havlng a share capltall Summary of Main Actlvlties Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre is based in Magherafelt and Cookstown and seeks lo encourage so¢lal inclusion by working wilh the community to help further personal development through volunteering andlor training. The cenlre in govemed by a voluntary management committee and has a dedicated and knowledgeable team of staff who support the work of the organisation. The Volunteer Centre is a registered Umbrella Body with Access Nl. and has been providing a discreet, professional vetting service for volunteer involving organisations since Access Nl was Introduced in April 2008. The Volunteer Centre adopts an elhos of empowemient, believing this is fundamenlal for improving health and wellbeing and increasing individuals, and communities, control over their lives and their health. In addition to recruiting, plactng and supporting volunteers with a range of community-based organisations across Mid Ulster. The Volunteer Centre works in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to provide an alternative to traditional day-care. 'The Base,, which is a project for local people with learning disabilities which empowers them to access local community servi￿S and facilities and facilitstes social inclusion and the development of friendships. The 'Forever Young, Project, uses a comprehensive programme of activities to promote positive health and wellbeing among older people. 11 also aims to create awareness of the risks presented to older people as well as to provide support for caregivers. We were delighled to receive the Slrategic Community Development Grant from Mid Ulster District Council. This grant has been invaluable to us in supporting us keep a presence in Cookstown. All the work would not be possible without the support of our funders: Department for Communities Garfield Weston Foundation Halifax Foundalion Nl Mid Ulster DistrFct Council National Lottery Community Fund Northern Health and Social Care Trust A special appreciation goes out to the committee and volunleers for thelr unwavering dedication and support this year, their input is crucial. None of the management committee re¢eived remuneration or other benefit from Iheir Wofk with Ihe charity. Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre also appreciates Ihe continued and invaluable support from InVOLve {Nl). Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre IA company limited by guarantse. not having a share Gapitsll Achievements and Perforniance The following is an updale on what Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre has achieved during 2023 - 2024. 301 new volunteers were registered Assisted and supported volunteering placement organisations Organised 7 "tum up, take parf, volunteering opportunities that provide one off opportunities for people lo volunteer Promote opportunities for volunteering Participated in events recognising the value of volunteering in the Mid Ulster area Actively aim to increase the number of volunteers from under-represented groups including persons with a disability., older people,. and people from the most disadvantaged areas Provide advice to Volunteering Placement Organisations Offer Iraining and health checks lo all new volunteer placement organisations 214 Access Nl's were processed during this year Organised 3 Corporate Volunteering Days Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre continued to promote volunteer opportunities during this time, as well as offering organisalions help with policies, volunteer management, procedures and any concems an organisation may have. We continue to support organisations with information and guidance and refer them to other organisations such as NICVA, RCN, CWSAN, CINI when required for example regarding risk assessments, funding and training etc. EPIC Awards Our new EPIC {Empowering People In Communities) Volunteer Awards initiative. in conjunction with Volunteer Centres Nl rewards volunteers who make a commilmenl of at least 50 hours wilhin any 12 month period. We think that our volunteer5 make an EPIC contribution to the community, and thavs why we have set up an initialive to reward volunteers of all ages and across all sorts of organisations. Volunteering is vital to community life., it IS the heart of our community with people giving their time freely for the benefit of others. Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre (A company limited by guarantee, not havlng a share capltall Volunteors, Week 2023 We launched Volunteers, Week with a Volunteer Recognition Reception for EPIC Volunteers and Organisations hosted by Chair of Mid Ulster District Council Councillor Cora Corry. Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre IA company Ilmlted by guarantge, not having a share capital) Friday 2 June, we hosted at Lissan House an Aftemoon Tea Party and House lour, working alongside volunteers from Lissan. We were delighted to have Linda McAuley MBE from BBC Radio Ulster attending and speaking wilh volunteers and finding oul more about volunteering in Mid Ulster. Her chats with volunteers featured on her Volunteers, Week programme which aired the following Saturday helping promote volunteering, the organisations and hopefullv inspired potential volunteers. Trainlng 110+ volunteers received training on Safeguarding, Good Governan￿, Induction to Impact, Basic Firsl Aid and Food Safety. Proper training equips volunleers wilh the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively, fostering confidence and commitment. Well-trained volunteers are more likely to engage meaningfully with the community they assist, leading to better oulcomes for the projects Ihey support. Ultimately. invesling in volunteer training not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the overall effecliveness of organisations and community inilialives. The Base Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre IA company limlted by guarantee, not havlng a share capltall Throughout the year Magherafell and Cookstown Base members, NHSCT Day Opportunities seN1￿ Users and Volunteer Centre Staff and volunteers took part in group volunteering wilh various organisations. In November members of the Base Cookstown and Volunteer Centre staff enjoyed a morning volunteerlng wlth Sunflower Support Nl al their allotments based at Springhill In De￿mber during Intemational Volunleer Day and the theme for 2023 being °If everyone did... the Base Magherafelt started their annual wrapping challenge for Hope Magherafell's Chrislmas Appeal. They wrapped over 300 pairs of Pyjamas which were then donated with food hampers to families in need in our local area over Christmas. Members of the Base Magherafelt also helped during December with the annual Christmas Lunch for our Forever Young project for those over 60. During Ihe lasl week before Christmas break, Cookstown Base teamed up with The Hub BT80 in Cookstown lo make and donale 240 pieces of shortbread to be used and given to those attending The Hub BT80's Christmas lunch on Christmas Day. Throughout the year we continued to work fortnightly on our Klndness Rock Garden based at Maghera Walled Garden. We have two regular volunleers from Day Opportunities and also both Cookstown and Magherafelt Base members helped to create Kindness Rocks. During Ihe summer we planted and harvested polat06s. cabbage, tomatoes, broad beans, onions, lettuce, kale, courgettes and broccoli. We would also like lo take this opportunity to thank all volunteers for their ￿MmItMent and contribution in their support of The Base service users in Cookstown and Magherafell. Forever Young Project 10 Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre IA company Ilmltod by guarantse, not havlng a share capltsll This is the firsl year of the Forever Young project funded by National Lottery Community Fund. A new Project Leader and Project Assistant were appointed for this 4 year programme. Over Ihe course of the year, we have continued to run an extensive schedule of cla55es and activities that reflect the needs and wishes of the members. This has been trial and error when introducing new classes however using taster sessions and adivity questionnaires has helped to gauge what the community want lo engage in. As the demographiGs are changing and we have an ageing population, the age to join is now 60+ with some wavering made to those under age bracket whom may be facing social isolation, loneliness, mental illness or disability. The programme continues lo see consistent numbers attending the classes- luncheon club, chair exercise, crochet, talksfinformation sessions. The talks included scams, TAKE 5 steps to health and well-being, STEP on benefits and budgeting, energy efficiency and home safety delivered by the Council and gut health. These wer8 received positively and had on average 20 in attendance in each of these workshops. These will conlinue lo occur throughout thè following year to include topics that are relative to older people. We also had 2 cooking sessions '7 days 7 dinners, pilot by Public Health Agency (PHA) which was funded by PHA. These had great interest," we had hoped for people to re￿[ve 2 sessions however because numbers were high, w6 had to splil among 2 sessions. We would be keen to ¢onlinue these workshops based on the interest and healthleducational benefits. A part of the funding applirAlion was to start up a Men'5 Group. We held a ￿lebratiOn morning in November 2023 where we cooked a fry and gauged ideas and thoughts of what a men's group would look like for them. We had 20+ in attendance and got new registrations. We have held men specific sessions including prostate cancer talk. visit from wartime memorial. cooking session. AGE Nl's Good Vibrations {men's programme) came to talk to the men on health and well-being. We have also worked in partnership with Sperrin's Men Shed which a few of the men enjoyed planting some vegetables and others built a bench and some planters. This is something we plan to develop further. It has been difficult engaging the men on a consistent basis and we will need to look into this further to see how we can overcome this challenge. Other things we have held over the past year has been., chair yoga, line dan¢ing, wreath making workshop. craft workshops, painting classes, trip io Portstewart, Christmas pantomime, Chrislmas dinner (we had Ihe pleasure of having pupils from local school's carol singing during this), coffee mornings and afternoon lea. The consistent numbers attending dasseslworkshops each week demonstrates the need for the programme and through evaluations it is evident the benefits it has to our members. Have met new friends at thg Tuesday lunch8on club and look forward to going as much as I can.. 11 Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre IA company limltgd by guarantee, not havlng a share Gapltall "A very welcome addition for all people in the a￿8. Good variety of classes." 'Th8 diff8￿nI classes pmvided give an opportunity to lry new things e.g paintingAine dancing- thèypmvide stimulation of the mind and physical exerGise in a ftin way. Opportunity to meet newpeople is also invaluable. °The Forever Young Project has given me failh in others again, knowing that otherpeop16 care abouf my over811 health means so much to me as l am my husband's main Garer, his health really put ourliv68 on hold, I felt I was only existing but the project has changed thal for me." "As a pensioner l enjoy the social side of the class." .1 h8ve le8med a new skill.. .1 think it is great to go to these things I would be lost without the project.. "The class has increased my Inte￿St and my desire to get out. Meeting people and leaming to do something worthwhile like crochet and many different things." °It is vital that the project conlinu8s.° "Great to get out of the house and meet newpeople." The projects aim is to combat loneliness and redu￿ social isolation and it is clear that this is actively being achieved wilh members reporting they have met new friends, feel less isolated and lonely, gtves them a rea50n to go out and improved mental health. In addition, the extensive range of classes, workshopsAalks and lunches supports and promotes the aim of the project to improve overall health and well-being. We will Gonlinue to provide a variety of activtties ensuring we are reaching the needs and interesls of all beneficiaries whilst ensuring they are beneficial to improving overall health and well-being andlor reducing loneliness and cost effeGlive. Financial Revlew 12 Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre (A company Ilmlted by guarantse. not having a share capltal) In 2023124, totsl incoming resources were £248,689 {2022123 £243,027) During the year the Charity was fortunate enough to receive support from a number of SoUr￿S including Northem Health and Social Care Tmst, Mid Ulster Council, Department for Communities, The National lottery Community Fund and Tesco bags for help. Total expenditure for 2023124 was £238,667 (202212023 £230,651) The Charily was in a healthy financial position at the year-end, with net current 8ssets of £129,934. The trustees ¢onfim that since the year-end, it is not aware of any events Ihat would have a malerfal detrimental impa¢l on its position. Reserves Pollcy The truslees of Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre have set a reserves policy which requires.. The charity to maintain a level of reserves which meets the needs of the project both at the cuffent time and in the foreseeable future. The level of reserves held are based on the need lo fund unexpected expenditure and to ensure that it can fund any shortfalls in income, should income not reach expected levels. The Board of Directors will be responsible for monitoring the level of reserves on a monthly basis. Principal Funding Sources The prtncipal funding SoUr￿S for Mid U15ter Volunteer Cenlre is currently by way of grant and contract income. Related Party Transactions None of our trustees re￿1Ve remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity- They are only reimbursed for charitable expenses. During the year none of the trustees were reimbursed. 13 Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre {A company limited by guarantee, not having 8 share capital) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DECLARATION ON UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS General responslblllties The trustees are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the trustees as the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Irustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable lawl. Under charitable company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the net income or expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; Observe the methods and principles in the Charites SORP. state whether the Charities SORP (effective January 2015} in accordance with FRS 102 has been followed- prepare the financial ststements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriate to presume thot the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with. and all Regulations to be construed as one with that Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable Steps for the prevention and deleclion of fraud and other irregularities. Trusteès. declaration on unaudited financial statements In relation to the financial statements comptising the Statement of Financial Activities lincorporaling an Income and Expenditure Account). the Balance Sheet. the Accounting Policies and the related notes= The trustees approve these financial statement5 and confirm that they arè responsible for them. including selécting the 8ppropriale accounting policies. applying them consistently and making, on a reasonable and prudent basis, Ihe judgemenls underlying them. They have been prepared on the going concem basis on the grounds that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees confirm that they have made available to R T J Ros5 & Co, Chartered Accountants. all the charity's accounting records and provided all the information, books and documents necessary for the compilation of the financial statements. The trustees confirm that to the best of their knowledge and belief. the a¢¢ounting record5 reflect all the transactions of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Special provisions relating to small companles The above report has been preparèd in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Parl 15 of the Companies Act 2006. On behalf of the Board Ms Rachael Jane Jeffers Datè: 18th Novomber 2024 14