OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-annual-report

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland Annual Report & Statement of Accounts

For the year to 31[st] January 2023

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Annual Report of the year ended 31[st] March 2023……………………………………………………………………………………1 Achievements and Performance………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3-5 List funding programmes & workshops here Financial Review………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 Financial Performance Income Expenditure Stock Gifts and Support in Kind Funds Materially in Deficit Major Risks Financial Management and Reserves Policies Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2023…………………………………………………………………………………………9 Receipts & Payments Account Statement and Assets of Liability Notes of the Accounts Reference and Administrative Details………………………………………………………………………………………………….13 Charity Name Charity Number Registered Address Charity Directors as of 31[st] March 2023 Advisors Structure, Governance and Management……………………………………………………………………………………………..13 Governing document and Constitution Related Organisations Objectives and Activities…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14 Charitable Objects Public Benefit Statement Summary of Main Activities Sign & Declaration……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

2

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

The directors of Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland are pleased to submit their report and

accounts for the period 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023.

Achievements and Performance

An overview of the 6[th] Year for Knitted Knockers of NI Ltd.

67 Community Access and Outreach Events

104 Knitting & Crochet meetings

The Clubhouse –

6000+ members of the public reached - this figure includes the delivery of Knitted Knocker orders 4506 knitted knockers delivered and allows for the Markets and attendance to events Fright Night (200 people) Markets average 300-400 people in attendance per market. As well as those who attend Knitted Knockers and The Clubhouse, Car show attendance averaged 400-500 people in attendance

Guest Speakers – attended various meetings eg The women’s Menopause wellness day had 4 specialist speakers engaging with the community. We also have other guest speakers attending throughout the year at the various meetings and events that we hold.

The Charity’s Knitted Knockers & The Clubhouse meeting programmes are a core activity which contributes greatly to the success of supporting women with Breast Cancer throughout Northern Ireland. We also run awareness raising events some of which are combined with our fundraising events.

In the year to March 31st 2023 a total of 55 meetings were held, this mathematical curiosity is explained by the fact that in addition to the normal Fortnightly Knitting evening meetings and The Clubhouse monthly meetings we held new programmes, projects, events and extra workshops, Markets and acting rehearsals as well as production of sets, setup and decoration of building for events.

Total attendance across the meeting programme was 1,226 members and 131 visitors.

Our guest speakers are always a highlight of the programme, and this year has been no exception.

Please see below a list of community events and fundraisers held between 1[st] April 2022 and 31[st] March 2023.

Knitted Knockers Guild

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

3

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Knitting meetings x 2 per month (104 annually)

Crochet meetings x 2 per month

Sewing & Stuffing & Packing x 2 per month

The Clubhouse – Creative and Social Space for Breast Cancer Survivors

Monthly Meetings – 1[st] Wednesday of each Month – Creative and social meeting part funded by Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

The Mac Belfast – Partner in the “I Feel You See” – Breast Cast exhibition - 2-year project.

Cancer Charities – Alternative Treatments & Counselling

Department of Health – Carers fund – Lurgan Ukuleles & Yoga

Co-op – Community Fridge

Take 500 – Garden Project

Craft Fayres, car boot sales & Awareness raising Cofee Mornings

Car boot sales & Markets - 2[nd] April, 14[th] May, 3[rd] June, 11[th] June, 25[th] June 2022

Pre-loved Boutique pop-up opening – 10 June 2022

Knitted Knockers of NI Birthday Party – & male breast cancer awareness event – American cars & coffee – 3[rd] July

Male breast cancer awareness event – capri car club car show – 6 August 2022

Mum’s Sustainable Market – 27 August, 1 October 2022

Craft market & Coffee morning – 22[nd] October, 5[th] November, 3[rd] December 2022

Twilight market – 16[th] , 17[th] December 2022

Fundraising/community engagement/breast cancer awareness

Gardening club – monthly (12 per annum)

28 January 2023 Take 500 + Market stand – awareness raising event ABC Council

21 February 2023 – Pancake Day & Market

Clubhouse meeting 1 per month (12 month per annum)

6 February 2023 – weekly Stretch & Relax for Clubhouse members.

Stuffing and packing meeting monthly (12 per annum)

27[th] May 2022 – Art Exhibition Lurgan SRC

17th July 2022 – lobbying for NI to come up in line with same cancer drug standard as England.

1[st] August 2022 – gardening & fairy house workshop with People’s first Portadown

Lurgan Ukes taster sessions – 2[nd] , 9[th] , 16[th] , 23[rd] September 2022

Lurgan Players first meeting – 24[th] November 2022 decided to run Friday Fright Night in October

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

4

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Therapies

Toby & Peanut Therapy Ponies – Clubhouse 17[th] December 1 family January 2023

14[th] January 2023 – Women’s Wellness Seminar ‘managing the menopause’.

4 March – Monthly – Menopause Café

Incorporation of community fridge – 17[th] August 2022 – linked with golden crust bakery to reduce food waste.

Clubhouse

theatre outing – 3[rd] September, 10[th] December 2022

Acoustic night – clubhouse outing – 11[th] November 2022

4 weeks couch to Céilí – 6[th] , 13[th] , 20[th] , 27[th] October 2022

January – weekly - Couch to Celídh –

Preloved Boutique

Breast casting

17-24 March 2023 – “You See I Feel” breast cast exhibition.

Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme – Short film Knitted knockers of NI Helping to change Lives.

Short Film Knitted Knockers of NI – Life after treatment.

Alternative Therapies – reflexology, massage, reiki etc. – available to breast cancer survivors

Volunteer appreciation

Volunteer appreciation night – 19[th] November 2022

Peoples First Lord Mayor Certificate presentation 12[th] January 2023

Fundraising workshops

Crafternoon tea – embroidery 20[th] July

Summer Solstice Tai Chi Class – 21[st] June 2022

Lughnasadh – traditional performance art & storytelling – 6[th] August 2022

Ceramic Jewellery making – 25[th] August 1[st] , 8[th] September 2022

Cushion making workshop – 15[th] October, 19[th] November 2022

Yoga classes weekly starting 28[th] September 2022

Halloween party fundraiser – 22[nd] October 2022

Haunted house fundraiser – 28[th] October 2022

Embroidery classes starting monthly on 6[th] October 2022

Jog on Cancer 5k fun run – 23[rd] October 2022

Santa experience fundraiser – 16[th] , 17[th] and 18[th] December 2022

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

5

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Financial Review

Financial Performance

Financial performance in the year to 31[st] March 2023 has been broadly consistent with the board of director’s forecasts and expectations; a deficit of income over expenditure of £19.00 was achieved for the year compared to £0.00 in the year to 31[st] March 2022. The year ended with a general fund balance of £3,612.79 (compared £3,613.00 for the same date last year)

Income

Income receipts for the year totalled £40,827 – a decrease of £21,344 (34.3%); however, the year to 31[st] March 2022 included a one-off grant received from the Architectural Heritage Fund (for a business plan and architectural drawings for the building we are currently renting) of £15,000. Removing these atypical transactions from the analysis would result in a year-on-year drop in income of £6,344 (10.2%). Knitted Knockers of Northen Ireland’s income is generally healthy and remains consistent with previous performance, below illustrates the comparison of income in the current and previous year.

Expenditure

Stock

As of 31[st] March 2023, Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland held a stock of wool and craft supplies with a value of £556.

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

6

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Gifts and Support in Kind

In assessing the finances and assets of Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland it must be noted that many volunteers and directors give a great deal of support in kind. Many purchases are made, and the payment never claimed back; for example, mileage and refreshments costs, stall fees at events, and craft supplies have all been paid for by volunteers, but the cost not claimed despite such a claim being perfectly legitimate. Volunteers also give generously of their time; without the many hours given to preparing and delivering workshops, running community and outreach awareness events, and managing the daily running of the breast cancer centre, our charity’s growth and success could not be achieved.

We undertook an analysis of the time which trustees and members give to Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland to support our community programmes, preparing and delivering workshops, and on director and administrative duties. The total exceeds 3,952 hours which equates to £40,231.36 at National Minimum Wage rates of April 2022 of £10.18 per hour. The value of this time to Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland is, of course, much greater. The directors wish to place on record their recognition of and gratitude for all these contributions.

Funds Materially in Deficit

As of 31[st] March 2023, Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland had £19 in material deficit.

Major Risks

KKNI now wishes to establish a Health & Wellbeing Centre, addressing mental and physical health issues impacting Breast Cancer survivors and their families. The Major risk we identified a single major risk relating to our accommodation at The Courtyard Brownlow Castle, Lurgan. We are all volunteers and are gravely concerned about the need to raise money for core running costs and realise that for our Charity to continue there is a need for employment of Centre manager to enable the continuation of Knitted Knockers much needed services.

Financial Management and Reserves Policies

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland has two accounts; our main account is an Ulster Bank Small Charities account which does not have a debit card associated with it. All payments from this account are via cheque, which must be signed by two out of three of the authorised signatories. All three signatories on the account are unrelated to one another. We primarily use this account to pay for utility bills, rent and large material purchases as well as receiving all grant capital into his main account. Our second account is a Cashplus account which has 1 payment card attached to it. Most of our donations go into this account as we receive most of our donations in cash at fundraising events. All cash is double checked and double signed off on before making a lodgement as per our financial policy. We use this Cashplus card to make everyday purchase such as refreshments, stationary etc. and we also use this card to make online purchase for craft/workshop supplies. We also have a PayPal account which we use to receive donations from JustGiving, GoFundMe and Eventbrite. Funds from PayPal are transferred either to our main Ulsterbank account or to our Cashplus account based on current need. The only people with access to these accounts are our Directors as per our finance policy. There is to always be a reserve fund of £1000.00 in our Ulster Bank Current account, as per our finance policy. Please see further accounting policies as quoted on our annual reports.

1. Accounting Policies

1.1 Accounting convention - The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and follow the recommendations in 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice' issued in October 2000 the charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS1 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement because it is a small charity.

1.2 Incoming resources Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. Donated assets are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified, and a third party is bearing the cost. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included. Grants, including grants for

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

7

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable.

1.3 Resources Expended Resources expended are recognised in the year in which they are incurred. Management and administration costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Plant and machinery - 25% straight line

Fixtures, fittings, and equipment - 25% straight line

Motor vehicles - 25% straight line

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

8

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2023

Receipts & Payments Account

Statement and Assets of Liability

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

10

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Notes of the Accounts

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

11

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

12

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name: Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland

Charity Number: 108347

Registered Address: The Courtyard, Brownlow House, Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, BT67 9BJ

Charity Directors as of 31[st] March 2023:

Joanne Harris, Linda Ferguson, Anne Thompson, Lauren Harris, Janice Greer & Hope Graham

Advisors: Derek Browne – Accountant and Funding Opportunities advisor

Insight Business Services, 53 Bernice Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4QZ

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing document and Constitution

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland is a registered charity and a charitable company limited by guarantee. We have an incorporated Articles of Memorandum which replaced our original Constitution on 28[th] September 2021.

Related Organisations

Brownlow House - Continued support and Connections with Brownlow Castle – development of the stables in the Courtyard to include the outdoor kitchen and therapy relaxation gardens. Continue linking with Brownlow Castle in the delivery of events in order to bring in funds to support the work of KKNI & The Clubhouse.

Peoples 1 st – Intergenerational project. Students attend during August and October as part of their curriculum; Retail – organising of our Charity Shop, Work on Garden and painting, Work around mental health, the importance of giving back to community and good citizenship qualities, Breast Cancer awareness for all genders., Intergenerational Interaction with Breast Cancer Survivors where the group decide what project they wish to contribute to e.g. 2022 – Cleaning out store rooms, building shelves, organising donated craft material and wool, painting store rooms and Toilet facilities and gardening plus interacting with breast cancer survivors through craft workshop. In October helped us with fundraising by decorating the Castle for a Fright Night.

This year 2023 – they have decided the intergenerational project will aim; to help us move the shop across the courtyard, help retail some items on vinted, work on a marketing plan for the said Preloved Boutique, The Art Project will be painting of picnic tables and painting flowers etc on the table tops as well as upcycling picnic tables they will also upcycle wooden chairs for internal use in our Craft room, which they will also help us decorate.

The MAC - Continued relationship with THE MAC – running on from our You See I Feel Breast Cast Exhibit we are currently working with another Artist with Photography, video and voice over Art project – this is the next phase of the “You See I Feel” Breast Cast Exhibit and aims to show case all the different groups within Knitted Knockers and highlight the work we do and the benefits these groups give to individuals – interviews and pictures are on going at present. We will continue to Link with The MAC on other projects as they arise, helping us to open up the world of Art to some people who have never been to an art gallery of any kind. So opening a new experience which enhances life experience.

Breast Cancer Now - We have linked our “Moment in Time” Programme with Breast Cancer Now “Moving Forward” Programme, and The Breast Care Clinic – Breast Cancer Now will be paying for the professionals to take part in the Moving Forward programme as well as costing for their time in our Premises £180 for the 2 sessions to cover running costs including refreshments. We will both see how this project develops and we would like to establish a secondary breast cancer support group within The Courtyard.

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

13

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Macmillan - We work with MacMillan in that they refer new patients to us to avail of knitted knockers and The Clubhouse Services from September 2023.

Cancer Focus – have contacted seeking to set up a meeting as they wish to deliver bra fitting service at our premises – we will be meeting them to discuss this within the next 2 weeks. We have established an acting group – Lurgan Players who assist in producing Murder Mystery nights, fright nights, storytelling at our fairy tale folklore festival – this is made up of a coming together of our various groups as well as other community groups and volunteers. Knitting members, Breast cancer survivors, The Portadown Men’s Shed, Banbridge Operatic Society, Local drama teacher, Dish (mental health organisation in Lurgan), AEON Community Group, Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme.

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objects

The object of Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland as set out in our Articles of Association is the advancement of the health and well-being of people diagnosed with breast cancer, primarily focusing on self-confidence, body image and overall health.

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland aims to promote body positivity and health & wellbeing as a self-care activity and also aims to promote public awareness and understanding of Breast Cancer and all those who are affected by it. In turn, we offer support to people from the following groups: Adult training, Ethnic minorities, General public, Mental health, older people, Parents, Physical disabilities, Unemployed/low income, Voluntary and community sector, Volunteers, Women.

Public Benefit Statement

The benefits flowing from our purposes are: Better support for breast cancer survivors, therefore increased mental wellbeing, reduced isolation, and higher self-esteem & confidence. Feedback is identified by the comments received, the demand for Knitted Knockers and also increasing members of The Clubhouse & constant flow of volunteers without the need for recruitment There is no harm flowing from our purposes. Our beneficiaries are people with a Breast Cancer diagnosis, friends & family of Breast Cancer patients. Crafters (our volunteers who make knitted knockers & post-surgery kits), NHS Breast Clinic Staff in NI - Breast care nurses and Consultants There is no private benefit.

Summary of Main Activities

Knitted Knockers of NI (KKNI) was founded in 2016 with the mission of engaging with a community of volunteers to produce and deliver free hand knit breast prosthetics (knitted knockers) and post-surgery comfort kits to breast cancer survivors across NI, bringing confidence and comfort to thousands of women that have had mastectomies. KKNI connects with the community through workshops teaching traditional skills of knitting, crochet and sewing. KKNI works closely with breast care clinics throughout Northern Ireland and last year delivered over 3,000 products to women all over Northern Ireland. In 2017 KKNI established “The Clubhouse” in response to demand from breast cancer survivors as a mental health and well-being initiative to establish creative and social programmes to further support other breast cancer survivors. Demand for the Clubhouse has grown to more than 50 members and KKNI now wishes to establish a Health & Wellbeing Centre, addressing mental and physical health issues impacting Breast Cancer survivors and their families. The Clubhouse will provide a positive and creative non-clinical space, to facilitate various support programmes that offer a caring, holistic approach with services and workshops to educate, enable, empower and support members to achieve skills to address mental, emotional, nutritional, practical and physical body image challenges that come with breast cancer diagnosis and impact on the individual, family unit and wider community. KKNI connect with volunteers through workshops, teaching traditional skills of Knitting on 4 needles, Crochet and Sewing resulting in the provision of Free soft 100% cotton hand knit breast prosthetics, crocheted Swimming Knockers, PostSurgery Cushions and Drain Bag.

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

14

Company No. NI678807

Annual Report 2022-23

Approved and adopted by a meeting of the Trustees on 07/02/2024 and signed on their behalf.

Hope Graham Director

Joanne Harris

Founder & Director

Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347

15