Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland Annual Report & Statement of Accounts For the year to 31st January 2024 Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 1 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 Annual Report of the year ended 31st March 2024………………………………………………………………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 31st March 2024……………………………………………………………..………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 31st March 2024 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 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 The directors of Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland are pleased to submit their report and accounts for the period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. ## _**Achievements and Performance**_ An overview of the 7th Year for Knitted Knockers of NI Ltd. 43 Community Access and Outreach Events 104 Knitting & Crochet meetings 104 Sewing meetings 104 Craft meetings - Lurgan Players - Lurgan Ukes The Clubhouse – o 104 - Creative & Social Breast Cancer Support meetings o 48 - Yoga classes o 12 - “Cancer Through Our Eyes” Breast Cancer Project meetings o 10 - Outings 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 – We have guest speakers attending throughout the year at the various meetings and events that we hold e.g. Dr Gwyneth Hinds. 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 2024 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 1,334 members and 108 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 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024. Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 3 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## **Knitted Knockers Guild** 4 Knitting meetings x 2 per month (104 annually) Crochet meetings x 2 per month Sewing & Stuffing & Packing x 2 per month Elf Workshop – 25 November 2023 ## **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 Cancer Charities – Alternative Treatments & Counselling Public Health Agency – Clear Fund- Health & Wellbeing Workshops Co-op – Community Fridge MacMillan – Cancer Through Our Eyes Project ## **Community engagement/breast cancer awareness** Ladies of Tartaraghan and Diamond Mother’s Union – Awareness Event 19[th] April Lurgan Ukes – Weekly – Fridays ABS Association of Breast Surgery Conference – 15[th] & 16[th] May Awareness Stand Take500 – Portadown Men’s Shed – Garden Project delivery 20[th] May 23 Awareness Stand – 12[th] July 23 McCaw Allan Tea Towel Exhibit – 26 August 23 Castlecaulfield Mother’s Union & friends – stuff & pack & awareness event – 17[th] Sept 23 People’s 1[st] Students – Volunteer Experience – 3 weeks Breast Cancer Awareness Exhibition – Jethro Centre – 7[th] October 23 NI Pygmy Goat Club – Awareness Event – 1[st] October 23 Knitting Challenge – 60[th] anniversary of Dr Who – Scarf – 4 weeks November 23 Cross Community & learning support schools outreach art collaboration – AEON Community Arts – 15[th] November 23 – 3 schools Memory Bear making workshops & Grief Counselling – 6 March 23, 23 March 23, 6 & 20 April 23 DWF breast cancer awareness – international women’s day talk 8 March 23 Coffee Morning with Angeline Murphy – BBC Great British Sewing Bee competitior – 16 March 24 Two week workshop with Angeline – 20 & 27 March 23 ## **Clubhouse** Macmillan – Uplifting Women, Ann Worland – 23[rd] April 23 Gwyneth Hinds – Wellbeing after cancer Event – 19[th] May 23 I See You Feel Coffee Morning – 27[th] May 23 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 Weekly Yoga Classes – Mondays Weekly Belly Dancing Classes – Thursdays Fit for Life – Jethro Centre collab 25[th] May 23 for 4 weeks Breast Cancer Now Moving Forward Event – 5[th] & 12[th] Sept & 5[th] & 12[th] Dec 23 World Cancer day exhibition in the MAC with MacMillan 1 February 23 Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 4 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## **Volunteer appreciation** Volunteer appreciation night – Drumboe Country House stay 17[th] May 23 Jo Malone – Pamper Hand Massage Session for Volunteers – 1[st] May 23 7[th] Birthday Party – 4[th] July 23 Praxis Barbecue – People’s First Students – 27[th] September 23 PHA Clear Project – volunteer appreciation workshops – Life Balance, Intentional living & Creative Journalling, Enchanted workshops, line dancing, painting for relaxation – 5 february – 23[rd] february ## **Fundraising** Spring Cushion Workshop – 9[th] April 23 Quiz – 29[th] April 23 Paint & Sip – 19[th] May, 26[th] August 23 Murder Mystery Event 30[th] June 23 Summer Solstice Tai Chi & Breakfast – 21[st] June 23 supported by Tesco Teddy Bear Workshop – 28[th] June 23 Fairy Folklore Festival with Lurgan Heritage Townscape – 28[th] July 23 Q the Quo Fundraiser – 8[th] September 23 Capri Car Club NI Car Rally – 5[th] August 23 Whitework workshop - 24[th] August 23 Haunted House Event – 27[th] October 23 Jog on Cancer – 22[nd] October 23 Crochet & Sew Pumpkin workshop – 7[th] October 23 Cantabille Choir Concert – 20[th] October 23 Mary Poppins Festival – 1[st] December 23 Coffee Morning/Fashion Show – 18[th] November 23 Kite Making Workshop – 26[th] November 23 Sweet workshop – 1 December Crochet workshop – 1 December Gonk workshop – 1 December Christmas cracker workshop – 1 December Learn to crochet 23 March 23 Creative Textile Festival – Sewing a top, memory Bears, Welt felt landscape, crochet classes – March & April 23 Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 5 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## _**Financial Review**_ ## _Financial Performance_ Financial performance in the year to 31st 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 31st 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 £35,258 – a decrease of £5,569 (13.64%). Knitted Knockers of Northern 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 31st March 2024, Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland held a stock of wool and craft supplies with a value of £556. ## _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 Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 6 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 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 2023 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 31st March 2024, Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland had £838 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 Zempler Bank (previously named 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 Zempler Bank 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, PayPal Giving Fund and Eventbrite. Funds from PayPal are transferred either to our main Ulsterbank account or to our Zempler Bank 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 the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable. Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 7 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 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 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## _Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023_ ## _Receipts & Payments Account_ _Statement and Assets of Liability_ Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 9 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 10 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## _Notes of the Accounts_ Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 11 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## _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 31st March 2024: Joanne Harris, Linda Ferguson, Anne Thompson, Janice Greer & Hope Graham Advisors: Derek Browne – Accountant and Funding Opportunities advisor Insight Business Services, 53 Bernice Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4QZ Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 12 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 ## **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 28th 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 2024 – 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. 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 Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 13 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 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 postsurgery 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 Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 14 Annual Report 2023-24 Company No. NI678807 Free soft 100% cotton hand knit breast prosthetics, crocheted Swimming Knockers, PostSurgery Cushions and Drain Bag. Approved and adopted by a meeting of the Trustees on 07/02/2025 and signed on their behalf. Hope Graham Director Joanne Harris Founder & Director Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – Registered Charity Number: 108347 15