SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2024
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, Ballyrnena, BT43 6BP
Directors:
Cormac Duffin
Mandy Higgins
Jed Murray
Principal Banker:
Ulster Bank, Antrim Branch,
8 Market square, Antrim BT414AT
Principal Solicitors:
McKervill 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
Dirertor5' Report
for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Directors hereby present their report and financial statements, together with the independent
examinerfs report, for the year ended 31 March 2024.
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 ststement
Samaritans of B311ymena offer 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, live chat,
email, and letter.
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 Commission's guidance on public
benefit when reviewing the Branch's aims and objectives in planning future activities.
Page 2

SAMARrrANS of BALLYMENA
Directors, Report
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Objertives and Activitles
The objects of the Charity are:
la) to enable persons in Ballymena and the surrounding area (but without specific limitations as
to areal 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 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
{cl 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
Mlssion to alleviate emotional distre55 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 awarene55 of the challenges of reducing suicide.
We are committed to the following Values..
Listening
Confidentiality
People moking their own decisions
Being non-judgmental
Humon Contoct
Page 3

SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA
Directors, Report
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Outreach and Awareness Raising
Throughout the year Ballymena Samaritans provided outreach activities within the community, both
to groups who may be at increased risk of suicide and to raise awareness of how to promote
emotional wellbeing and good mental health. Our emphasis is on prevention, information giving and
skills building.
In September and October 2023, we attended Freshers week in local colleges.
In November we were invited to a local grammar school where we gave a speech to a group of about
150, 6th formers. The speech dealt with problems associated with young people in today's society
and how the Samaritans can provide non-judgmental support for everyone no matter what age.
In December we received an invitation to the Mayorfs Parlour in recognition of the work we do
raising awareness within the local community.
In February 2024 we spoke at the club for retired people and at a local U3A group.
Between February 22nd and 19th March, we were involved with the 'Small Talk Saves Lives,
campaign where a group of volunteers went to Ballymena Train Station on a number of occasions to
raise awareness among the community.
In March the Mid Antrim 150 club invited us to their 2 day annual show.
We were also asked back to participate in an event at one of the local colleges.
Financial Review
At the year-end, the charity had unrestricted funds of £173,841.
The principal sources of income were donations from the public. 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 £18,744 and £33,275
respectively, resulting in a deficit of £14,531.
Principal Risks
The principal risks facing the branch are insufficient volunteers 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 10 new volunteers, we have maintained 59 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 system5, Wlthout which branches
could not operate.
Page 4

SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA
A corner-stone of Samaritans, sen4ice 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.
Directors. Report
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Reserves policy
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£17,0001 is an appropriate level of reserves to maintain in order to meet working capital needs.
Expendable reserves, which excludes fixed assets, were £173,841 at the year-end12023: £191,274).
Appolntment of Directors
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
monthly basis.
Samaritans of B311ymena 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 Branch operates entirely through its dedicated volunteers without whom the service could not
be provided.
Indurtion and Training of Directors
Directors are inducted and trained in accordance with Samaritans, national policy.
Training and new recruits
Two training programmes were completed this year, with 10 new recruits completing their training
and being registered on the Register of Members. Six new recruits were selected for the spring 2024
training programme.
Page5

SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA
Dirertors, Report
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Statement of responsibilities of members of the Board in respert 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 Standards (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 statement5, the Trustees are required to
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
obsenie the methods and principles in the Charity 50RP;
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is 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.
Approved at a meeting on 30 May 2024 and signed on behalf of the Board.
C Duffin
Branch Director
M. Higgins
Secretary
r<. /J
Page 6

SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA
Income and Expenditure
for the year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Unrestrirted Restricted
Total
Total
Total
Income From:
Donations
6,970
6,970
10,169
Charitable Activities
5,115
5,115
6,380
Other Income
Ex endlture on:
Charitable Activities
Net (expenditure)/income
(14,531)
(14,531) 11,998
Transfer between funds
Net movement in fund5
(17,433)
2,902
{14,5311 11,998
Total funds brought fonvard
191,274
172,515
363.789 351,791
Total Funds carried forward
17
£17
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 8ALLYMENA
Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Funds
Totsl
Funds
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
175,417
175,417
172,515
Currents Assets
Cash at bank
Prepayments
Total Current Assets
Current Llabilities
Accruals
173,841
173,841
191,274
173,841
173,841
191,274
10
Net Current Assets
173,841
173,841 191,274
Total net assets
Funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Capitalisation of fixed assets
173,841
173,841
191,274
175 417
175 417
172 515
Total funds
17
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 2(XJ6 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 account5 have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies
subject to the small companies regime.
Approved on behalf of the Board on 30 May 2024.
C Duffin
8ranch Director
,Phtr
M. Higgins
Secretary
Page 8

SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the yeor ending 31 Morch 2024
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 (FRS
102) (effective l January 20151- (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the United Kingdom {FRS1021- (Charities SORP(FRS102)).
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 c05t 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:
Going 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 15 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
£85,000, obtained in 2017, is included in the accounts.
During 2022 47 Mount Street was purchased at a cost of £54,127. 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 2024
Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreclation (continued)
In the year ending 31 March 2023, £33,388 was spent on the installation of a lift and the valuation
was increased to £172,515. In the year ending 31 March 2024 £2,902 wa5 spent on fees related to
the renovation of the property and the valuation was increased to £175,417.
During the year ending 31 March 2025 there are plans to further develop the premises. A builderfs
quotation of £85,(￿￿> plus VAT has been accepted. The work is anticipated to commence by
31107124 and will last for approximately 6 months. The additions will be capitalized and added to
the 31. March 2024 valuation of £175.417.
By 31" March 2025 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 a15ocated to activities 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
102).
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
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023
Unrestrirted Restrirted
Donations and Gifts
Gift Aid
Legacies and Bequests
5,795
1,175
5,795
1,175
9,302
867
Page 10

SAMARITANS of BALLYMENA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ending 31 Morch 2024
3. CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023
Unrestrirted Restricted
Income from Charitable
Activities
li
4. OTHER INCOME
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023
Unrestricted Restrirted
Bank Interest
Grants
6,659
6,659
2,084
5. EXPENDITURE on CHARITABLE AcllviTIES
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023
Unrestricted Restricted
Housekeeping
Head Office Levies
Office Costs
Training
2,752
21,684
8,139
700
2,752
21,684
8,139
401
10,050
27
6. EMPLOYEES
There were no employees of the charity during the year 2024 (2023: none).
Page 11

SAMARITANS of 8ALLYMENA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ending 31 March 2024
7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSEfs
Land and
Buildings
Total
At IApril 2023
Additions in year
172,515
2,902
172,515
2,902
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation
At IApril 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
17
At 31 March 2023
The assets are used for direct charitable purposes.
8. Cash at Bank and on deposit
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2024
Total
2023
Cash at bank
Cash on deposit
88,831
88,831
17,588
173 686
9. PAYMENTS TO DIREcfoRS
No payments have been made to Board members in respect of remuneration during the year.
Expense reimbursements to Directors totalled £3,576 for the year ended 31 March 2024
12023 £3,681).
10. POST BALANCE SHEEf EVENTS
There have been no significant events affecting the company since the balance sheet date.
Page 12

Samaritans of Ballymena
Independent Examiner's Report forthe year ended 31st March 2024
I report on the accounts of the Society for the year ended 31 st March 2024, which are set
out on the attached account
Respective responsibillties of charity trustses 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 prO￿dureS laid down in the general Directions given by the
Commission under section 65{9)(b) of the Charities Act
- stste 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 accordance with the general Directions given by
the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland under sectson 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination induded 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 explanations from you as
charity trustees Con￿rning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me
cause to believe:
1 That accounts'ng records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
2 That the accounts do not accord with those accounting ￿CordS
3 That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
4 That there is further information needed for a proper understsnding of the accounts to be
reached.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examinats.on and have no cOn￿mS 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".
Iliam Parkinson FCCAACMA CGMA
Address: 11 Parkmount Road, Ballymena, BT43 SHR, Northem Ireland
Date:
16 fltr 07j￿1-
Io2Lr