COLERAINE STREET PASTORS ids. chartered accountants TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2023. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's memorandum, the Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounting and Fieporting 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) (effective 1 January 2015>" Oblectlves and actlvities Coleraine Street Pastors Comprises 32 volunteers from local interdenominational Churches, including Coleraine, Ballymoney, Portstewart and Castlerock. These volunteers are committed to going out at least once a rnonth at various times, usually evening or night, to Listen, Care and Help within the local community The Charity has a smaller number of Prayer Pastors who support the teams out on the streets by praying from the base or home. Our volunteers are trained in various aspects of our work, from Drugs & Alcohol, First Aid to Suicide Awareness. Vve work in partnership with NIHE, PSNI and the local PCSP. These agencies have said that our presence on the streets at weekends makes Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart safer for those out and about at night. We listen to, talk to and gel lo know people in our local community to determine their needs and offer support or guidanGe. This makes the difference to those who are often dealing with mental health problemslemotional distressl suicidal ideation, tackling alcoholldrug addiction, living with debt worrieslin povertylcoping with homelessnessl domestic abuse, struggling with apalhylsocial isolationlfear of crime., or young people who have a general lack of ambition, who may be at increased risk of commilting crime. On Friday nights, teams patrol Colerain8 town centre, parks, railway slalion and retail park, deterring crime and antisocial behaviour and engaging with people. In housing estates, their presence reassures older, lonely. or socially isolated people, who may feel vulnerable to ariti-social behaviour. They engage with teenagers and explain who Street Pastors are and what they do on the estates. They also visit youth clubs and mental health OLrtreach facilities to encourage people to seek assistance if required. On Saturday nights, teams of 3-4 volunteers patrol Portrush and Portstewart, focusing on nightlife at pubs and nightclubs. Their aim is lo look out for anyone who may be vulnerable lo assault, support people of all ages who need help for various reasons, and ensure they get home safely. They remove bottles and potential weapons to discourage violence and vandalism. Volunteers are also a visual presencelmediator, which helps to reduce tension and anti-social behaviour and 'free up, Police officers to deal with more urgent calls from members of the community who need their help. There are other events throughout the year, e.g., St Patrick's Day, when our presence in 'lislening, caring and helping keep people safe, is valued. We are represented on an ongoing basis, where issues such as anti-social behaviour are raised, to be proactive instead of reactive to ensure the safety of all. The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Gharity should undertake. Financial review Over the period 8 April 2022 5 April 2023. the charity has helped approximately 1500 people on the streets. Volunteers have lifted and disposed of 375 bottles and glasses to prevent them from being used as lethal weapons or causing injury to people going barefoot. We have attended antisocial incidents and issued 105 street supplies to the public. We have administered first aid, as required, and assisted 110 people in transport, ensuring they got home safely. During this period, 28 of our more experienced Street Pastors allended a refresher training session, and we delivered First Aid training. We also gave in-person presentations to community and Church groups to inform and educate them about our work.
COLERAINE STREET PASTORS ids. chartered accountants TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023 It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds, which have not been designated for a specifi¢ use, should be maintained at a level equivalent to between 3 and 6 months, expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding. they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and ar8 satisfied that systems are in place lo mitigate exposure to the major risks. The trustees have assessed the major risks lo which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Structure, governance and management The Charity has held regular management meetings for the running of the project. and followed the guidelines for street pastors initiatives laid down by Ascension Trust (London), our umbrella body, supplying quarterly reports to our funders. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the dale of signature of the financial statements were.. MrA . Brown (Resigned 8 April 2022) Jarnes Brown (Resigned 8 April 2022) Alice McAlary Robert Ritchie Ann Vance Cathy Martin Beverley Thompson Elaine Breakey Richard Pollock Stephaine Quigley Chris Crowder Rev A W T Brown Rev D Brown (Resigned 27 September 20221 The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Trustee 4 December 2023 QtriciLil/ p•gJK)