BELFAST AND LISP>lJaY COWUNrrY ptx)xcr 16 HOl￿00d Road, Belfast, BT4 1 NT www.balcproiect.org.uk admin@balcproiect.org.uk Tel: +44 28 9593 3232 Belfast and Lisburn Communlty Project Trustees, Annual Report for the Year Ended 2nd July 2024 Chair's Statement It is with a profound sense of resilience and gratitude that I present this report for 2024, a year that presented our charity with one of its most significant operational challenges, yet also showcased the incredible strength and dedication of our trustees, volunteers, and supporters. The year began under considerable strain following extensive water flood damage at our previous premises. This unfortunate event necessitated an urgent relocation-a process fraught with stress and difficulty. Our primary challenge was securing a new location that remained accessible and familiar to the vulnerable members of our community who rely on our services. We were acutely aware that moving too far could severety disrupt the vital support networks we have built. After an intensive search, we were successful in finding suitable new premises. This, however, marked the beginning of a new phase of hard work. The Board of Trustees came together to strategise how to start afresh and develop the new space to meet our operational needs. We faced the daunting task of fitting out the premises with limited resources. We were extraordinarily fortunate to receive the generous support of a local building company, The BEAM, who stepped in to assist. Their expertise and pro bono work enabled us to complete the majorty of the construction work, for which we are eternally thankful. Throughout this period of upheaval, our commitment to the community never wavered. Critically, we did not suspend any of our services. Our food bank, perhaps our most essential service, continued to operate without interruption, ensuring that those in crisis received consistent support even while our own organisatsonal foundations were being rebuilt. The effort to prepare the new home was a true team endeavour. Trustees and volunteers worked tirelessly, day and night, to paint, clean, organise, and prepare. This monumental effort culminated in our successful move-in during May 2024. The official opening of our new premises stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective determination and community spirit. •I£A•t And Ll•burn Community ProJ•ct Walk INN To Help The HomeLes3 Ch•r£ty I1￿b+r. IIIC10756L BELFAST AND LISBl￿N COMMUNThY Ptx)xcr 16 Howood Road, Belfast, BT4 1 NT www.balcproject.org.uk admin@balcprojecl.org.uk Tel: +44 28 9593 3232 Revlew of Actlvltles and Achlevement8 Despite the disruption, our core activities persisted: Continued provision of our Food Bank service throughout the relocation period. Successful relocatlon and 08tabll8hment of a new, fit-for-purpose community premises. Maintenance of koy support servlcos for our beneficiaries, minimising disruption to their lives. Strengthening of partnerships with local businesses and community groups. Flnanclal Revlew The financial implications of the flood and move were significant. The insurance company did not gave or settlement or covered a portion of the losses, BUT for the in-kind donations of labour and materials that kept our refurbishment costs manageable. A detailed account is provided in the accompanying financial statements, which show a year of exceptional expenditure related to the re- establishment of our operations. Acknowledgements On behalf of the Board of Trustees, l extend our deepest thanks: To the dedicated volunteers whose unwavering efforts kept our services running and made our new premises a reality. To the local company whose incredible generosity saved this project. To our staff, trustees, and members for their resilience and adaptability. To the wider community for their patience, donations, and continued trust during this transrtion. Looking Forward As we settle into our new home, our focus for the coming year is on consolidation, developing our refreshed space into a vibrant community hub, and expanding our services with renewed energy. The trials of 2024 have strengthened our resolve and proven that with strong partnerships and community at our heart, we can overcome any obstacle. B•lf••t And Li•burn Coanunity Pzoj•ct Walk INN To Help The Horneless b•rlty Ih*tr*t: NLC107561 ELFAST AND USBLIJY 16 HOl￿00d Road, Belfast, BT4 1 NT www.balcproiecLorg.uk admin balcproiecl.org.uk Tel: +44 28 9593 3232 Slgn Jennrfer Wootton Chalr of the Board of Trustees Belfast and Lisbum Community Project Date: 20 June 2025 "Yrustees- Jennrfer Wootton Gloria Hughes Perla Kotlkarova Gold Imoukhuede This report reflects the period from 3 of Juty 2023 to 2 of July 2024. Data is based on intemal records and reports. B•lfa•t And Li•burn C¢>uJunity ProJ•ot Walk INN Tc Help The Cb•rlty **kn•r: MI¢I07561