Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Registered number: NI027662 Charity number: 106855
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Unaudited
Trustees' Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 - 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 - 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 - 17 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Trustees | Pastor Alistair Ritchie, Chair |
|---|---|
| Mr Edwin Robb | |
| Dr Moses Mushipe | |
| Mr George Quail | |
| Company registered number NI027662 Charity registered number 106855 Registered office 276 Ravenhill Road Belfast Antrim BT6 8GJ Independent Examiner Sumer Accountants NI Ltd Glendinning House 6 Murray Street Belfast BT1 6DN Bankers Ulster Bank Arches Retail Park Connswater Belfast BT5 4AF |
Page 1
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charitable Company for the year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees’ report and a Directors’ report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charitable Company’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Since the Company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The company is established to provide the wellbeing of the inhabitants of Northern Ireland and its environs without distinction of age, sex, race, political, religious or other opinion by all or any of the following means:
-
The relief of poverty;
-
The advancement of community development;
-
The advancement of education, skills training and the arts;
-
The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage;
-
The provisions of facilities in the interests of social welfare; and
-
Generally improve the conditions of life for the said inhabitants by associating with the statutory authorities, voluntary organisations and inhabitants in a common effort to meet our objectives.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of Activities
In 2024, Compassion Belfast undertook the task of employing a new Compassion Belfast Coordinator on a part time basis. This new appointment has enabled us to continue to strengthen and solidify our existing strands as well as promote the charity more widely through fundraising activities and the building of various teams of volunteers for the same.
Our Compassion Belfast Hub continues to incorporate the ‘New to You’ charity shop and office space above which brings in much needed finance for the charity. This year has seen the charity continue to meet many needs within our community through our various projects:
Page 2
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
‘Compassion Walks’ has continued to assist the homeless and rough sleepers in Belfast City Centre. Through food, hygiene and winter kits, food vouchers and other essentials a trained team of volunteers seeks to connect and assist on Saturday mornings approximately once a month.
Items given out on Compassion Walks:
----- Start of picture text -----
Essentials Pack 72
(Fleece/blanket, travel cup, coffee/tea bags, sanitary
products)
Sleeping Bags 45
£5 Greggs Vouchers 60
----- End of picture text -----
Average volunteers per walk: 9
This year we continued our ‘Project Christmas Box’ giveaway. In Partnership with three local schools and our own food bank we were able to provide children with a bag of multiple toys and age-related presents for Christmas and families received a hamper with a collection of food and Christmas treats.
| Toy Parcels | Hampers |
|---|---|
| 180 | 90 |
Approximate volunteers involved: 30
‘The Living Room’ project continues to be one of our main projects as we aid families who have been impacted with various difficult circumstances which include family breakdown, displacement, unemployment and the challenge of the cost of living crisis. Below is a table outlining the Living Room’s activity and impact over the course of the year:
| Number of Monday Sessions |
Number of Visits |
Number of new families |
Total Families |
Number of Adults |
Number of Children |
Individuals with 3 day packs |
Volunteer hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 170 | 18 | 134 | 192 | 254 | 539 | 1185 |
As part of The Living Room project we continue to deepen and develop partnerships with Clanmil Housing Group, Radius Housing, Apex Housing, Belfast City Council, Dale Farm, Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury’s and other local businesses. Our volunteers are a diverse representation from across our city.
‘The Tool Box’ had been depleting in the numbers coming along and together with the moving on of our previous staff member and a volunteer who worked closely with him we were unable to continue to open the Tool Box.
‘New to You’ community space and used goods shop. The shop continues to operate six days per week due to its committed volunteer group.
Fundraising Team – Our new Coordinator has done an excellent job of bringing together a group of volunteers who are willing to organise events and seek funding grants and opportunities. A quiz night was one example of that as well as a collection day at a Tesco Store. Further plans are underway for other activities which both raise some much needed funds as well as building awareness of the charity and our aims.
Page 3
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Financial Review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial reports. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
b. Reserves policy
The Charity’s policy is to retain a level of free reserves, which matches the needs of the organisation both at the current time and in the foreseeable future. The Charity has developed a plan to establish and maintain this agreed level of free reserves. The Charity will continue to monitor compliance with this policy on a regular basis and the Board will review the appropriateness of the policy annually.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The Company is registered as a Charitable Company limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006 and is controlled by its governing document and a deed of trust. The Company is also a registered charity. (Charity Registration Number 106855)
b. Directors
Compassion Belfast continues to be governed by the chair and other trustees. It has enjoyed a stable year with no changes to the Board.
Plans for future periods
a . Future Developments
Having recruited a new charity Coordinator in 2024 we plan to continue to strengthen the connection between the charity and the local community.
We will continue to develop all existing Compassion Belfast projects.
We will continue to grow and value all volunteers of Compassion Belfast.
We will continue to develop funding and a fundraising team.
We will endeavour to seek out new and needed opportunities to fulfil our aims and objectives.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also Directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the 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. Under 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 Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure,for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
•Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS102);
- •Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
•Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are suffcient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the Board of Trustees on 1 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Pastor Alistair Ritchie
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Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Examiner's Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Compassion Belfast
I report on the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 17.
Respective Responsibilities of charity Trustees and Examiner
As the company's Trustees (and also the Directors of the company for the purpose of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the company is not subject to 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 (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; and
-
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement
I have examined your company 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 Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the company and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as company 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 accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006;
-
that the accounts do not accord with those accounting records;
-
that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of 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);
-
that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns 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.
Page 6
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Examiner's Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
This report is made solely to the company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 65(3)(a) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and regulations made under section 66 of that Act. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 1 May 2025
Amanda McMaw FCA
Sumer Accountants NI Ltd Glendinning House 6 Murray Street Belfast BT1 6DN
Page 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 10 Net movement in funds 10 Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 19,575 24,792 44,367 27,656 27,656 16,711 24,773 16,711 41,484 |
Total funds 2024 £ 19,575 24,792 44,367 27,656 27,656 16,711 24,773 16,711 41,484 |
Total funds 2023 £ 37,371 24,296 61,667 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52,068 52,068 |
|||
| 9,599 | |||
| 15,174 9,599 24,773 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 11 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) Registered number: NI027662
Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 10 Unrestricted funds 10 Total funds |
- 42,388 42,388 (3,419) |
2024 £ 2,515 2,515 38,969 41,484 41,484 41,484 - 41,484 41,484 |
4,749 19,971 24,720 (3,300) |
2023 £ 3,353 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,353 21,420 |
||||
| 24,773 | ||||
| 24,773 | ||||
| 24,773 | ||||
| - 24,773 |
||||
| 24,773 |
Page 9
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) Registered number: NI027662
Balance Sheet (continued) As at 31 December 2024
The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
Pastor Alistair Ritchie
Date: 1 May 2025
The notes on pages 11 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Compassion Belfast meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Company Status
The Company is a Charitable Company limited by guarantee. The members of the Company are the Trustees named on page one. In the event of the Company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Company.
1.3 Going concern
The Trustees of Compassion Belfast have reviewed the resources available and believe that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the forseeable future.
Accordingly, Compassion Belfast continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
1.4 Income
All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Donations are recognised when received or when a legally enforceable commitment is made to donate.Donations that are unrestricted in nature are recognised as income in the year in which they are received.Donations that are restricted to specific purposes are recognised as income only when the conditions for their use have been met.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
Page 11
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
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 on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
| Long-term leasehold property | - | 4% Straight Line |
|---|---|---|
| Plant and machinery | - | 25% Reducing balance |
| Motor vehicles | - | 25% Reducing balance |
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 25% Reducing balance |
1.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.8 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
1.9 Pensions
The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Company to the fund in respect of the year.
Page 12
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Grants Income from charitable activities Fundraising Activities |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 19,075 500 19,575 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 24,792 |
Total funds 2024 £ 19,075 500 19,575 Total funds 2024 £ 24,792 |
Total funds 2023 £ 28,801 8,570 37,371 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 24,296 |
3. Income from charitable activities
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Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
4. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Support Costs Staff Costs Depreciation |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 22,134 4,684 838 27,656 |
Total 2024 £ 22,134 4,684 838 27,656 |
Total 2023 £ 32,154 18,796 1,118 52,068 |
|---|---|---|---|
5. Independent examiner's remuneration
The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £3,420 (2023 - £3,000).
6. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2024 £ 4,566 117 4,683 |
2023 £ 18,348 448 |
|---|---|---|
| 18,796 |
The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| No. | No. |
| 0.40 | 1.00 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
No Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits in either year.
Page 14
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
7. Tangible fixed assets
| Long-term leasehold property Plant and machinery £ £ Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 194,608 30,413 At 31 December 2024 194,608 30,413 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 194,608 28,224 Charge for the year - 547 At 31 December 2024 194,608 28,771 Net book value At 31 December 2024 - 1,642 At 31 December 2023 - 2,189 8. Debtors Due within one year Other debtors 9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
Motor vehicles £ 11,520 11,520 10,356 291 10,647 873 1,164 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 38,281 38,281 38,281 - 38,281 - - 2024 £ - - 2024 £ 3,419 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 38,281 38,281 38,281 - 38,281 - - 2024 £ - - 2024 £ 3,419 |
Total £ 274,822 274,822 271,469 838 272,307 2,515 3,353 2023 £ 4,749 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | 4,749 | ||||
| 2024 £ 3,419 |
2023 £ 3,300 |
Page 15
Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
10. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds - all funds Statement of funds - prior year Unrestricted funds General Funds - all funds |
Balance at 1 January 2024 £ 24,773 Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 15,174 |
Income £ 44,367 Income £ 61,667 |
Expenditure £ (27,656) Expenditure £ (52,068) |
Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 41,484 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 24,773 |
11. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets 2,515 Current assets 42,388 Creditors due within one year (3,419) Total 41,484 |
Total funds 2024 £ 2,515 42,388 (3,419) 41,484 |
|---|---|
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Docusign Envelope ID: 4185FD70-C1BF-4A02-B47E-311CB17E2166
Compassion Belfast
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
11. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 3,353 24,720 (3,300) 24,773 |
Total funds 2023 £ 3,353 24,720 (3,300) 24,773 |
|---|---|---|
12. Pension commitments
Pension contributions paid by the company for the reporting period amounted to £117 (2023: £1,045)
13. Related party transactions
The Company had no related party transaction during the year (2023: none), nor were there any outstanding balances between related parties and the Company at 31 December 2024 (2023: £nil).
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