Community Advice Newry, Moume & Down {A company limited by guarantee. not having a share capital) DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 The directors present their Directors, Annual Report, combining the Directors, Report and Trustees, Report, and the audited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements are prepared in accordan with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicab18 lo charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and RepubliG of Ireland (FRS 102). The Directors, Report contsins the information required to be provided in the Director5, Annual Report under the statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidelines. The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's constitution are known as members of the board of trustee5. In this report the directors of Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down prasent a summary of its purpose, governance, activities, achievements and finances for the financial financial year 31 March 2024. The company is a registered charity and hence the rep)rt and resu116 are presented In a form whith cornplies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, although not obliged to comply with the Statement of Recommended Pradice (Charitles SORP effective January 2015), Ihe organisation has implemented Its recommendations where relevant In these financlal statements. Revlew of Activities, Achlevements and Performance Community Advice Newry Mourne & Down has four key principles which helps us to fulfil our aims: 1. Independent: We will always act in the interest of our clients, without influence from any other outside bodies. 2. Impartial.. We don't judge our clients or make assumptions about them. Our Sep41 is open to everyone, and we treat everyone equally. 3. Confidential.. We won't pas8 on anything a client tells us, or even if the fact that they visit U8, wlthout thelr permission. 4. FTee'. No•one has to pay for any part of the service we provide. No one else see8 $0 many people wilh so many drffereni problems, and Ihai gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. Whoever you are, whatever the problem, w8 are here to help-by phone, by email, online WhatsApp, and in person. Our staff and volunteers 588 so many people with so many kind5 of problems and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. With the right evidence, we can show big organisation8-from companies right up to IoGal and regional governmenl-how they can make thing6 better for people. We want to see every person in our community empowered to make decisions and exeruse th8ir rights, where everyone had dignity in living and where all are treated fairly by those holding or exercising power. Our vision and the charlty's purpose are.. 1 The protection and preseNation of health. 2 The relief of poverty, sickness and distress. 3 Th8 advan¢erngnt of educalion. As an organisation we continue to make progress in providing a seamless customer joumey for members of our local community lo acce58 our services through the various channels mentioned above. The past year has been extremely Ghallenging for our clients who were faced with rising inflation and soaring food, energy and housing costs. Many clients experienced financial difficulties, job losses, relationship breakdowns, mounting debts and poor mental health. The strain on households was immense and increasingly people in full time employment came to us for advi. One of the key strengths of the organisation is the availability of inwme maximisation calculations for every client, often this has resulted in some clients receiving benefits which they did not know they were entitled to. We have also supported clients at Tribunal Appeal whith has resulted in several back payments for clients who inilially had received no award. The total amount of Finanrial Gain for our clienls during this reporting peri¢Jd is £7 fflillion which not only benefft the individual and their families but also the local Gommunity of Newry Moume & Down. Delivering high quality, holistic information and advice is crucial in the relief of povety. sickness and stress. People are coming to us for help with increasingly cornplex problerns and oplions to resolve such issues can be limited. Despite these challenges we are proud to say that our Charity rose lo the task. But we cannot do it alone and we know the impact of building and maintaining meaningful partnerships. Collaboration and Partnership working has elways been important in the Charity Sector and from COVED and the cost-of_living- risis this has become so muGh more important. One of these partnerships is the Strategic Stakeholder Forum which is the body representing the
Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down {A cornpany limite(I by guarantee, not having a share capital) DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2Q24 community voluntary and social enterprises in Communty Planning within the Newry Mourne & Down District Councll area. Other partnerships are The Age Friendly Alliance, Wellbeing Action Partnership and The Migrant Fotum. Working closely together has seen the developrnent of referral pathways with a wide variety of organisalions. Wilhout having these referral pathways our Glients would not only be worse off financially but many would be struggling mentally. Staff can provide the initial advice, but should on-going support be required we can access the pathway very quickly. Examples are Foodbank's, Women's Aid, Training Programmes, Social Prescribing groups. Equally our partners can access our services using our Digital Referral System which is on our website. We have also developed good working partnerships with the Multi-Disciplinary Teams which are based in GP Surgeries across both the Southern and South- Eastern Trusts. This has allowed Social Workers, Health Visitors and District Nurses to refer to our services and they ofien accompany their selv1 users to the appointment as they have a good knowledge of both the service user and Iheir families. This partnership has shown with support from the Health Care Professional and Community Advice the client has reduced stress and anxiety less dependence on drugs and alcohol. I believe the time is right for the Health SeNice to pul long term investment into advice provision and by doing this money is saved for the health 8ervlce In the long term. This year has seen an Increase in the number of requests from local community groups such as Men's Shed8, Mental Health Charities, Local Community Groups, SVDP, to deliver presentations on who we are and what We do to help those who rnost need it in our local ccmmunrty. This has increased awareness of our service not only to th058 who have attended the sessions, bul they have been able to bring the information back to family friends and others in the community. Many of the groups who we presented to are now using our Digital Referral Pathway. Wth the ongoing cost-of-living crisis many organisations have asked us to deliver budgeting sessions to their employees and to their service users. These sessions have been invaluable in passing tips and improving the financial capability of those attending. Throughout the year we have provided staff and volunteers with training which is important for their continual personal development. Training has been delivered internally and delivered from external organisations. We listen to what our stsff and volunte8rs require lo assist them In delivering a hight quality sarvic8. The Trustee Board have actlvely assisted and worked with th8 Manager and her team throughout the year, to assist In making the right things happen for the organisation. Whilst governance is a key area of responsibility, efforts are also aimed at providing leadership using the skill sets that each Trustee brings to the organisation and with the objective of optimising the effectiveness of the organisation. All decisions thal are made are fvndamental to the service, our clients and staff. One of the key objectives going forward for the Board is the recruitment of n8W Director8 for the Board. In setting the objectives, and for the planning ahead, the Trustee Board have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northem Irelands guidance on public benefit, to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity's purpose and provide a benefit for the beneficiaries. Many thanks to all our Funders who, wilhout their bellef In the work that we do, we would not be able to make an impact on our community. Our core funding comes from Departmenl for Communities and Newry Mourne & Down District Council. They have supported us in the delivery of the Debt Project, Welfare Reform, Tribunal Representation and Generalist Advice & Information. We secured funding from Southern Health & Social Care Trust which allowed us to support ¢li8nts in rural isolated communities. Funding was also seGured frorn Ihe Southern Public Health Agency for our Advice 4 H8alth project which allows us to support patients and staff in Daisy Hill Hospital. Part of this funding also goes towards Advice 4 Health clinic5 for Ethnic Minority & Migrants including Travellers living in the Newry & Mourne Area. The other part of this funding provides t8rminally ill patl8nts and their families in the Southern Area Hospice to receive support and advice in the Hospice. As part of the pilot for the Social Supermarkel we reiVed funding as part of the wraparound service. We provided additional advice hours and secured £23,000 in unclaimed benefits for those who used the Social Supermarket. Under the UK Levelling Up Funding in partnership with Southem Regional College, Clanrye Group and Wornen's Aid the project Employ Me was developed and we have reiVed £24 for a 0-year period. I would like to thank the Board for their support and guidance during 2023124 involving many meetings and zoom ca115. We have an excellent Board with each Director bringing a wealth of experience to the table and they all volunteer their time and commitment in supporting the Team and myself in helping to achieve the objectives of the organisation. Our staff and volunteers despite the ongoing challenges of increasing demand and complexity of clienl need have the most incredible knowledge, skills, experien, commitment and caring attitude. I couldn't ask lo be surrounded by
Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down IA cornpany limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 a more amazing team. and I thank you all. Finally, we know that challenges for members of our community will continue beyond 2023124, but I feel confident that as a sen11 we will be here to support them in any way we can. Rosemarie Mc Donnell CEO Community Advi Newry Mourne & Down Flnanclal Revlew The financial statements are presented in the standard fomiat required by the Companies Act 20C and the Charities SORP. The Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) shows the gross income from all sources. Flnanclal Results At the end of the finanaal year the company has assets of £419,218 12023 - £384,492) and liabilits'es of £14,947 (2023 - £775). The net assets of the company have increased by £20,554. Dlr9¢tor8 The directors who served throughout the financlal year, except as noted, were as follow8: Paul Kane Clive Wallington Nadine Havern Samuel Mccallistsr Artur Kmiecik Aoife Downey (Resigned 4 March 2024) Andrew Savage (Appointed 18 September 2024) Judith Poucher (Appointed 16 September 2024) Carol Magee (Appointed 16 September 20241 Michael Clements (Appointed 3 June 2024) Cassie Chambers (Appointed 16 September 2024) In accordance with the Articles of Association, the directors retire by rotation and. being eligible, offer themselves for re-81ection. Compliance with Sector-wide Logi81ation and Standards The company engages pro-actively with legislation, standards and Godes which are developed for the sector. Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down subscribes to and is compliant with the following.. The Companie6 Act 2006 The Charities SORP (FRS 102) Publlc Beneflt statement In setting our objects'ves and planning our aclivities for the year the trustees have given careful consideratlon lo the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's stslutory guidance on public beneflt to ensure that the activitles have helped athi9ve the charily purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries. Chalrman6 Report The Board of Directors of CoTnmunity Advic8 Newry Moume and Down would like to express thanks to the outgoing Chief Executive, Rosernarie McDonnell for her outstanding selv1 to Community Advice for over a deGade in this role. Her energy, positivity, knowledge and human empathy have helped put whal was a newly merged organisation into a leading community advi hub, a focal point for our citizens. In addition, we would wish to welcome the incoming Chief Executive, Kellie Murray and offer her our full support in the years ahead. Thanks, must also go to Anne Burns and her new supervisory team for their sterling work to date and for enthusiastically taking up the challenges which they will face in the years ahead. The work of the management and supervisory team has been made easier by the staff and volunteers who deliver, without slint, an exceptional service and who have helped our community fin(1 a path through what was On again the most challenging of years. As Chair I would personally wish to thank the whole of the Board who have volunteered their time and expertise not only to attend Board meetings bul to undertake a variety of other duties, often unseen, without which we could not have functioned effectively as a Board. It 15 most encouraging to see that at the end of this year we have added additional members of high quality and experience to our iank5_ Whilst the worst of the COVID-19 infection is well behind us, some of the longtail conseqUenS linger on to affiict our population. Long temi physical and mental health issues persist and were added to by COVID.
Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down IA cornpany limited by guardntee, not having a Share capital) DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 The stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis, caused by a multitude of factors. has continued_ The manifestations- decline in real incomes for many, high fuel, heating and food costs, rising rents and accommodation shortages- slill remain, and seek to squeeze the very soul out of our community. It is hoped that a retum to regional strategi political leadership will go some way to ameliorate this situation. However, Newry Mourne and Down is a resilient and inherently Garing community. This resilien ha5 been contributed to by the work of Community Advice who have continued to give free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and advocacy, accessible to everyone across the whole of the council area. This service has been delivered in ever new and imaginative ways to an even greater number of clients whilst having at its core a one-to- one, fa-tO-faCe relationship, so key to client confidence and organisational suGGess. It is worthwhile noting that this year trends noted last year have continued. On8 such trend has been the growlh in inter-related issues being presented by clients. No longer do clients present with one standalone issue., rather they often present with complex issues which stretch and challenge our response. Another trend has been the increase in issues which may not be perceived by others as typical of our work. Hence whilst the issues of welfare benefits are still of major signrficance, around foty perGentage of issues presented by clients are non- benefits issues. A final trend worth recording has been the growth in cross-border issues often related to people working in legal and political jurisdictions, made more problematic by changes in taxation polides which hav8 hit hard both cross-border workers and employers. One measure of the success we have had in dealing with the above is the financial gain obtained for our cllents. Over £7 million in gain has gone directly to them, and indirectly to the community. in addition to over £2 million in debt resolution by Money Adviser. Another measure has been the overwhelming positlV8 feedb8ck which we have reiVed from those clients who have had the pleasure to help and in so doing have redUd the stress in their lives. Community Advice does not work in isolation. Wthout our funders, including the Department for Communities, Newry Mourne and Down Council, Southern Regional Health Trust, the Public Health Agency, the Money and Pensions SeNic8 and the many private donors, we simply could not have delivered our service to the Community. In the year ahead we will conlinue to work closely with them and seek their ongoing support and understanding. Likewise, we will continue lo join with our sister community and statutory organisations lo help deliver an Increasingly linked up service to and for all. This report will detsil what we have don8 and for whom we have done It. It will help demonstrate an organisation that has shown flexibility and responsiveness,. an organisation that has shown thal it nol only uses its head but also lislens to its heart. an organi5ation Ihal has visibly contributed to the resilien of the community, a community in which it is fimily anchored,. an organisation which has added significanlly to the monetary value of that community. an organisation whose people are fully committed to its Vision, Mission and Values. The financial staternents are prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and accounting and reporting by the Charitie8 Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo Gharities preparing their financial ststements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. In thls report the DlreGtors of Community Advice Newry Mourne and Down present a summary of its purpose, governance. activities, achievements and finan$ for the financial year. Paul Kane Chair of Board of Trustees The Audltors The auditors, Daly Park & Company Ltd, (Chartered Accountants) have indicated their willingness to continue in office in awrdance with the provisions of Section 485 of the Companies Act 20Q6. Approved by the Board of Directors on 13 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Paul l(ane Dlrector Clive Wallington Director