SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 106793
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA COMPANY INFORMATION Full Name of Charity: Samaritans of Ballymena Company Number: N1645348 Charity Number: 106793 Company Registered Office: 45, Mount Street, Ballymena, BT43 6BP Directors: Marie Nesbitt Mandy Higgin5 Jed Murray Principal Banker: Ulster Bank, Antrim Branch, 8 Market Square, Antrim BT414AT Principal Solicitors: McKep4ill Neilly, l Broadway Avenue, Ballymena, BT43 7AA Independent Examiner: William Parkinson FCCA ACMA CGMA 11 Parkmount Road, Ballymena, BT43 SHR Page I
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Dirertors, Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 The Directors hereby present their report and financial statements, together with the independent examinerfs report, for the year ended 31 March 2023. Structure, Governance and Management Samaritans of Ballymena was incorporated on 21 April 2017 and is a Private Company, Limited by Guarantee. Management, Internal Control and Risk Management The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Directors of the Charity, who are responsible for the implementation of Samaritans strategy and to SUPPOrt the work of Samaritan volunteers in the Charity. The Directors have the overall responsibility for the system of internal control for the Charity, including the safety of Charity assets and the integrity of the accounting procedures. Public Benefit Statement Samaritans of Ballymena 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 15 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, live chat, email, letter, and face to face. Samaritans, service is open to people who are suicidal, despairing or in distress. The branch provides a service primarily intended for the benefit of persons in Ballymena and the surrounding area. However, it also works with all Samaritans branches to ensure 24-hour availability of the service across the UK. The Directors confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commi55ion'5 guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Branch's aims and objectives in planning future activities. Page 2
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Directors, Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Objectives and Activities The objects of the Charity are: la) to enable person5 in Ballymena and the surrounding area (but without specific limitations a5 to area) who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive confidential emotional 5UPPOrt at any time of the day or night in order to improve their emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide; (bl 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 Ic} to collaborate with and support the Samaritans Central Charity and its affiliated branches in fulfilling these objectives. 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 reduce the risk of suicide; working in partnership with other organisations, agencies and experts to achieve our Vision; and influencing public policy and raising awareness of the challenges of reducing suicide. We are committed to the following Values.. Listening Confidentiality People making their own decisions Being non-judgmentol Human Contact Page 3
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Dirertors, Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Outreach and Awareness Raising For the first time since the Covid19 lockdown we had a stand at the Ballymena Agriculture Show and distributed leaflets with information about Samaritans. We were invited to attend a civic reception hosted by the borough's Mayor on the longest night, 21. December. This was reported in the local papers, raising awareness of the work of Samaritans. A number of articles were published throughout the year. encouraging people to take care of their mental health and informing them how to contact Samaritans if they needed our support. Our street collections were augmented with information stands at Tesco supermarkets in the local towns, including a collection on the 24 July to highlight Samaritans, availability around the clock124:71. Volunteers attended the two day annual flower show in Antrim and took part in an awareness-raising walk to Lough Neagh on 21" June, the longest day of the year. The Mid Antrim 150 motorcycle club continues to have the branch as their nominated charity and volunteers attended their meeting in Ballymena Rugby Club building in November to raise awareness of Samaritans among the club members. They invited us to attend the two-day Ballymoney Motorcycle Show in March and a rota of volunteers ensured we were available to speak to people throughout the event. Financial Review At the year-end, the charity had unrestricted funds of £191,274. The principal sources of income were donations from the public and also grant funding. Among grants received was £l,(J)O received from the Black Santa Christmas sit-out. The purchase and installation of a lift at a cost of £33,CrfJO is the first phase of ongoing renovations to 45 Mount Street. With the exception of the current building works, expenditure is focused on core service provision, together with property maintenance and running costs. Income and expenditure for the year were £24,205 and £12,207 respectively, resulting in a 5urplu5 of £11,998. Principal Risks The principal risks facing the branch are insufficient volunteer5 to keep the branch open and the possibility of breach of confidentiality. New volunteer recruitment is essential to ensure that we always have adequate cover. Through a comprehensive training programme, with the theory and role-play once again delivered face-to-face to 12 new volunteers, we have maintained the number of volunteers with 62 listening volunteers at the year end. Fundraising is also essential in order to meet running costs as well as to pay a contribution to the central charity towards the costs of the services and systems, without which branches could not operate. A corner-stone of Samaritans, service is that all those who contact us are guaranteed absolute confidentiality. Policies and procedures, including DBS checks for all volunteers, are in place to reduce the possibility of inadvertent breach of confidentiality. Page 4
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Directors. Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Reserves policv As branch income is heavily dependent on donations and fundraising activities it cannot be guaranteed. The directors consider that around 18 months of annual, non-capital, expenditure 1£18,0001 is an appropriate level of reserves to maintain in order to meet working capital needs. Expendable reserves, which excludes fixed assets, were £191,274 at the year-end12022: £212,664). Appointment of Dirertors Directors are elected by the members of the Branch at the Annual General Meeting. Appointment of the Director is subject to approval by the Samaritans Central Charity. Organisational Structure The Branch Board, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity, meets on a monthly basis. Samaritans of Ballymena is a recognised branch of Samaritans, a company limited by guarantee (No 7573721, having its registered office at The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AF. The Branch operates entirely through its dedicated volunteers without whom the service could not be provided. Induction and Training of Directors Dirertors are inducted and trained in accordance with Samaritans, national policy. Training and new recruits Dermot186, Recruitment Deputy Director, is the lead on the management of the Business Management Tool {BMT) as it is designed to assist in the recruitment of new volunteers. When potential volunteers are interviewed and accepted for training the BMT creates their individual Samaritans account and thi5 enables them to access the online modules of the training programme. Two training programmes were completed this year, with 12 new recruits completing their training and being registered on the Register of Members. Eight new recruits were selected for the spring 2023 training programme. Kieran165, Training Deputy Director. organised the training to be delivered, face-to-face, in an outside venue to reduce the risk of Covid19 infection. Page5
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Dirertors, Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Statement of responsibilities of members of the Board in respect of Financial Statements The Trustees (who are also the Directors of Samaritans of Ballymena for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standard5 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,. 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 incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; prepare the financial statements on the going concern ba515 unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the charitable company 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 charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. th Approved at a meeting on 8 June 2023 and signed on behalf of the Board. M Nesbitt Branch Dirertor M. Higgins Secretary Page 6
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Notes Unrestrirted Restrirted Total Total Totsl Income From: Donations 10,169 10,169 4,964 Charitable Activities 6,380 6,380 2,333 Other Income enditure on: Charitable Activities Net (expenditure)/lncome 11,998 11,998 (2,377) Transfer between funds Net movement in funds {21,390) 33,388 11,998 12,3771 Total funds brought forward 212,664 139,127 351,791 354,168 Total Funds carried forward The above statement contains all gains and losses recognized during the year. The notes on pages 9 to 13 form an integral part of these accounts. Page 7
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA Balance Sheet As ot 31 Morch 2023 2023 2022 Notes Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Fixed Assets Tangible assets 172,515 172,515 139,127 Currents Assets Cash at bank Prepayments Total Current Assets Current Liabilities Accrua15 191,274 191,274 212,664 191,274 191,274 212,664 io Net Current Assets 191,274 191,274 212,664 Total net assets £1 172 Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Capitalisation of fixed a55ets 191,274 191,274 212,664 172 515 172 515 139 127 Total funds The notes on pages 9 to 13 form an integral part of these accounts. For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 26 in relation to small companies. No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question, in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Approved on behalf of the Board on 8th June 2023. 4 E knItLi5r M Nesbitt Branch Director M. Higgins Secretary Page 8
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the yeor ending 31 March 2023 I.ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 United Kingdom and Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 2015)- (Charities SORP {FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom {FRS102)- (Charities SORPIFRS1021). The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Charities accounting policies. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the company is responsible in law. The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS (remove spacellO2. The following principal accounting policies have been applied: Golng Concern The financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis. Funding Accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Directors in furtherance of the objectives of the Charity and have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for specific purposes. Costs relating to such funds are charged against the specific fund. Incoming Resources All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income, normally on receipt. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation Fixed assets comprise the premises at 45. and 47, Mount Street, Ballymena. Details of historic costs of the building at 45. Mount Street are not available and as a result an independent valuation of £80,IJJO, obtained in 2017, is included in the accounts. During 2022 47 Mount Street was purchased at a cost of £59,127. Land and Buildings were valued at £139,127 at I" April 2022. Page 9
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ending 31 March 2023 Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation (continued) This year,2023, £33,388 was spent on the installation of a lift and the valuation was increased to £172,515. During the current year there are plans to further develop the premises. The additions will be capitalized and added to the 31" March 2023 valuation of £172,515. st At 31 March 2024 an independent valuation will be obtained and included in the accounts. The shortfall, if any, will be recorded as a deficit on revaluation. Resources expended All expenditure is accounted for as incurred and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activitie5 on a basis consistent with use of resources. Support Costs have been allocated on the basis of spend to programme areas and to Fundraising and Governance activities. The Charity is not registered for VAT, thus all costs are shown inclusive of VAT charged. Volunteer help The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts, in line with the SORP (FRS 1021. Cash on hand Cash consists of cash on hand and on deposit. Taxation The Charity is not liable to corporation tax or capital gains tax on its charitable activities. 2. DONATIONS Totsl Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Unrestrirted Restricted Donations and Gifts Gift Aid Legacies and Bequests 9.302 867 9,302 867 2,914 2,050 £1 Page 10
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ending 31 March 2023 3. CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Unrestrirted Restricted Income from Charitable Activities 4. OTHER INCOME Total Funds 2023 Totsl Funds 2022 Unrestricted Restricted Bank Interest Grants 2,084 2,084 1,784 £7 5. EXPENDITURE on CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Total Funds 2023 Totsl Funds 2022 Unrestricted Restrirted Housekeeping Head Office Levies Office Costs Training 401 401 1,094 4,979 6,185 241 8,849 1,201 10,050 6. EMPLOYEES There were no employees of the charity during the year 2023 {2022: none). Page 11
SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ending 31 March 2023 7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Land and Buildings Total At l April 2022 Additions in year 139,127 33,388 139,127 33,388 At 31 March 2023 £172 172 Depreciation At l April 2022 Charge for the year At 31 March 2023 Net book value At 31 March 2023 At 31 March 2022 £1 £1 The assets are used for direct charitable purposes. 8. Cash at Bank and on deposit Unrestricted Restrirted Total 2023 Total 2022 Cash at bank Cash on deposit 17,588 173 686 17,588 173 686 £1 40,919 171745 9. PAYMENTS TO DIRECTORS No payments have been made to Board members in respect of remuneration during the year. Expense reimbursements to Directors totalled £3.681 for the year ended 31 March 2023 12022 £6.1291. 10. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS There have been no significant events affecting the company since the balance sheet date. Page 12
Samaritans of Baltymena Independent Examiner's Report for the year ended 31st March 2023 I report on the accounts of the Society for the year ended 31 st March 2023, which are set out on the attached account Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northem Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act - follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9){b) of the Charities Act - state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordan with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees conmIng any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: 1 That accounting records were not kept in accordance with 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 the Charities Act 4 That there is further infomation needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concems in respect of the matters {1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Name: [laLL." Iliam Parkinson FCCAACMA CGMA Address: 11 Parkmount Road, Ballymena, BT43 SHR, Northem Ireland Date.. l&, 2cA%