## **ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **CHARITY ACCOUNTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024**
**Charity Number: 108762**
**ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **CONTENTS**
||Page|
|---|---|
|Charity information|1|
|Trustees' report|2 - 3|
|Independent examiner's report|4|
|Statement of receipts and payments|5|
|Statement of assets and liabilities|6|
|Detailed Receipts and payments|7|
1
## **ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **INFORMATION**
**Charity Name** Altnegelvin Parents Support Group **Charity Number** 108762 **Trustees** Lisa Storey Deirdre Cassidy Kellie McGowan Yvonne Devenney **Bankers** HSBC 12-14 The Diamond Londonderry BT48 6HW **Independent Examiner** Arthur McFarland W S Sterritt & Co Chartered Certified Accountants Carton House 15 Ebrington Terrace Londonderry BT47 6JS
2
**ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **Trustees' Report**
## **Basis of Reporting**
This report covers the activities of the Group for the year 1[st] July 2023- 30[th] June 2024.
## **Committee**
At the AGM all committee members’ roles continued to remain filled. No Vacant positions.
## **Election of Office Bearers**
In line with the procedure laid down in our Constitution, the Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary and Childrens Ward representative were elected to office by the Committee members.
These were Chairperson – Lisa Storey, Treasurer – Deirdre Cassidy, Secretary – Kellie McGowan and Childrens Ward representative Yvonne Devenney.
## **Election of Committee Members**
Existing Committee members Lisa Storey, Deirdre Cassidy, Kellie McGowan and Yvonne Devenney were re-elected.
## **Resignation of Committee Member**
None
## **Meeting our Stated Objectives**
The work of the Group continues to focus on the stated objectives in our governing document and as ever, any review and evaluation of our work must assess how well we have fulfilled those objectives in the past year.
## **Ongoing work**
The core work of the Group continues to be undertaken by our small, dedicated team of Committee members, who keep our primary goal of support families to children with life long and life limiting medical conditions and who attend Altnagelvin Hospitals Childrens Wards to the fore at all times.
We continue growing digital social media presence, to engage with our parent members and the general public, our Social Media platform includes Facebook, Instagram and X. We have 3 closed groups on Facebook, our main Altnagelvin Parents Support Group, the 2 smaller sister groups Altnagelvin Epilepsy Parents, Altnagelvin Diabetes Parents. All of which is overseen by Deirdre Cassidy and Lisa Storey. The quality of posts and photographs on social media has ensured consistency and professionalism in everything we post, share and present to the public.
The work of the Group ranges, and it is clear that we would not be able to perform our roles and provide the support we do without the ongoing and unwavering financial donations we receive from fundraisers, whether patient families, friends and generous members of the public.
In early 2023 we developed two short surveys and launched as part of a public consultation, one survey was for any parent who has had a child admitted and stayed on the children’s ward (since 2018) and the other survey was for young people who have been admitted to hospital since (2018). The feedback from both will help us shape our activities and projects going forward. These continue to capture feedback, with QR codes on the Childrens wards.
All donations we receive is put to use here in the northern sector of the Western Trust to further the charity’s goals and purposes.
- Christmas event
- Our 5th annual Christmas Event was held on Sunday 26th November 2023 in The Everglades Hotel. We planned for a Santa Sunday style of event for 300 guests. Together we had a sit down sunday lunch. We had entertainment, activities, face painting, Santa visits and a disco to just name a few. The event was successful. It was an opportunity to get together celebrate the beginning of the Christmas Season.
Everyone had a lot of fun outside of the clinical hospital environment and away from the stresses this year may have brought to them. Captured photographs for families in the grottos.
- None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for funding we were granted from The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland.
- In Jan 24 we asked parents to support us raise awareness of our children’s medical conditions. Parents helped us put together a calendar of local, national and world awareness days, and we invite families to support us with drafting the information so we can share on social medial. This has been highly successful, parents appreciate this activity, feel valued and involved.
- We continue to replenish our Bravery Baskets every quarter for children who are getting medical procedures in the treatment rooms or on the ward.
3
**ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **Trustees' Report (Continued)**
- We continue to replenish and update out Parents Care Box on the ward, which has toiletry and sanitary products for parents who are staying on the ward and arrive without certain items for example toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, deodorant, tampons etc.
- In February 24 we donated nightlight torches for the staff on the ward doing night shift, these torches are to help when conducting routine night-time checks on patients aiming to not have children being woken suddenly to bright lights and not settling back to sleep after night-time observation. Encouraging a restful night and better quality sleep to aid recovery.
- In March 24 we held our AGM for our financial year 2022-23, inviting all members of APG to attend. We reported back on the previous year, and we invited Wendy McLaughlin to present on the new children’s ward design and answer questions from parents. We had 18 attendees in total.
- In March we were delighted to be part of the University Ulster- Child Health Society at Magee’s first ever Teddy Bear Hospital.
The Child Health Society are a group of graduate entry medicine students with a keen interest in paediatrics. They hosted the first of what they hope will be an annual event, called the Teddy Bear Hospital at the Model School Derry/Londonderry.
This event featured a number of stations introducing the children to the world of medicine. The aim was to promote health and exercise, diminish any fear children may have about visiting the doctors and inspire a future generation.
- In March 24 we celebrated Mother’s Day with those admitted to the children’s ward. Being in hospital is not easy at any time of the year, but it can be especially tough on Mother’s Day. That weekend we brought cupcakes for all the mothers and carers on the children’s wards, to enjoy a little treat on us.
- We leased a VR Headset for the children’s ward for a years trial. VR can have huge benefits for children, parents and for the staff, saving time and most importantly ensuring that the children are relaxed, happy, and able to deal with a range of otherwise difficult procedures. The VR headset lets children experience different 360-degree environments, like swimming underwater with tropical fish, visiting outer space and walking with dinosaurs, or they can just play games.
- In April 24 we invited our families who are raising children living with epilepsy to a multi-sensory meet & greet coffee in Aspace2, Campsie. It was a lovely afternoon. We had full use of all 6 multi-sensory rooms and a coffee and treats in the cafe afterwards.
- In April 2024 we acknowledged on social media that we were celebrating our 5th anniversary as Altnagelvin Parents Group. It marked a milestone for APG– 5 years since we founded the charity. Since day one we have been overwhelmed with gratitude for the boundless generosity, kindness, and compassion shown.
- As we acknowledge our 5th year anniversary, we reflected on the dedication and commitment of our team, committee, parents, families, children’s ward staff, funders, and supporters. Together, everyone has helped build APG into a support network for families both on and off the wards. It’s a testament to what real codesign and coproduction can achieve when we work together.
- We continued to encourage those in our community to run the local marathons and half marathons wearing APG vest to support and raise awareness of our charity. For which we developed running packs for this fundraising.
- In May 2024 we celebrated international nurses’ day. To mark the occasion, we wanted to show our gratitude and appreciation to the nursing staff on wards 6&16. We treated them to a special breakfast/ brunch buffet.
- We were delighted to learn we aware awarded a small grant of £1000 from the acorn fund which enabled us to begin planning for a summer youth arts programme to be facilitated by UV arts.
- In June we received a Keadue grant which enabled us to plan for 2x 6week Restorative yoga programmes, wellbeing packs for parents who are on the ward for prolonged periods of time, to develop a family support role for the childrens wards for 7.5 hours a week and to plan for a wreath making workshop in the autumn.
- In June we celebrated Father’s Day. We delivered cupcakes for all the Daddys and Father figures who had children on the children’s ward that weekend, to enjoy a little treat on us.
- We supported the Diabetes team from Wards 6&16 recently planned two family information days to support families who have children transitioning to a school setting such as Nursery/ P1 and from primary school to secondary education settings. We funded both these events which took place in June, at xtreme bounce and the play shed.
4
## **ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **Trustees' Report (Continued)**
- On 29th June 2024 we held our 2nd Afternoon tea event in Bishops Gate hotel. We had 80 people attend the event. The parents had a lovely afternoon, spending quality time with their guest and meeting other parents who are on a similar journey. We had a number of staff from the ward attend, this helps build partnerships and relationships between APG and the children’s ward and proves to be remarkably successful.
We were planning for the last two programmes near the end of our financial year:
- In July we started two 6week Restorative Yoga programmes for parents. Offering 12 places in each programme. Restorative yoga helps enhance mood, promoted relaxation, releases stress and tension on the body.
- In July we started a 4-week summer art programme, for children between the ages of 12-18 years old who have medical conditions or have a sibling who have a medical condition. The art programme is facilitated by UV arts and will display the work of the young people in a gallery for 2 weeks after the programme ends.
- In July 2024 we welcomed Jacqui Diamond to the role of Family support Worker for the Childrens wards, which is funded to June 2025.
## **Financial Report**
The total net worth of the Group on 1st July 2023 was £21,439, HSBC Current Account.
Total expenditure for the year came to £36,649.
Total donations received for the year came to £22,061.
Total funding received from Halifax foundation and the National Lottery community fund, Acorn Fund and Keadue grant came to £24,345.
Our governance costs including Public and Trustees Liability Insurance premium £432.
Administration costs £6,210.
The year finished with a total net worth of £31,196, HSBC Current Account
## **Conclusion**
2023-24 was a successful year for our small developing charity. We feel we have made great progress with the funding we received which has enabled us to build on our services and introduce programmes and staff.
I am immensely proud of how our committee has worked diligently in their service to the Parents Group, and with a strong commitment to their roles.
We are indebted to Deirdre Cassidy who is not only our Treasurer but who works diligently and voluntarily behind the scenes with myself to plan for everything Altnagelvin parents group has to offer. Thank you.
Lisa Storey **Chairperson / Parent** Date: 20 March 2025
5
## **ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Altnegelvin Parents Support Group**
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 June 2024 which are set out on page 5 and 6.
## **Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner**
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under Section 65 of the Charities Act;
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 65 (9)(b) of the Charities Act;
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement**
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and an examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included considerations of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation from you as charity members concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
1. That the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act.
2. That the accounts did not accord with the accounting records.
3. The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act.
4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of matters 1-4 listed above and, in connection with the following Directions of the Charity Commission Northern Ireland; I have found no matters that require drawing your attention.
W. S. Sterritt & Co Chartered Certified Accountant Carton House 15 Ebrington Terrace Londonderry BT47 6JS
Date: 20 March 2025
6
## **ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **Statement of Receipts and Payments Year ended 30 June 2024**
|**Receipts**
Voluntary Receipts
Donations
National Lottery Community Fund
The Halifax Foundation
**Payments**
Cost of fundraising
Cost of Charitable Activities
Governance costs
Administration costs
**Asset and investment purchase**
Purchase of Equipment
**Total Payments**
**Net receipts/(payments)**
Transfers to/(from) funds
**Surplus/(deficit) for the year**
**Reconciliation 30/06/2024**
Cash at bank & in hand 30/06/2023
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
Cash at bank & in hand 30/06/2024|Unrestricted Restricted
**Total**
Funds
Funds
**2024**
£
£
**£**
19,704
2,357
**22,061**
0
24,345
**24,345**
0
0
**0**
19,704
26,702
**46,406**
4,806
0
**4,806**
6,278
13,127
**19,405**
432
0
**432**
1,210
5,000
**6,210**
1,164
4,632
**5,796**
13,890
22,759
**36,649**
5,814
3,943
**9,757**
(2,275)
2,275
**0**
3,539
6,218
**9,757**
16,439
5,000
**21,439**
3,539
6,218
**9,757**
19,978
11,218
**31,196 **|Total
2023
£
4,520
6,700
5,000|
|---|---|---|
|||16,220|
|||1,804
15,145
540
891
180|
|||18,560|
||||
|||(2,340)|
|||0|
|||(2,340)|
|||23,779
(2,340)|
|||21,439|
7
## **ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **Statement of assets and liabilities Year ended 30 June 2024**
|**Funds Reconciliation**
Cash at bank & in hand 30/06/2023
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
Cash at bank & in hand 30/06/2024
**Bank & Cash Balances**
Bank Current Accounts
**Liabilities (Unrestricted Fund)**
Accountancy|Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
16,439
5,000
3,539
6,218|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**21,439**
**9,757**
**31,196**
**31,196**
**31,196**
**240**
**240**|Total
2023
£
23,779
(2,340)|
|---|---|---|---|
||19,978
11,218||21,439|
||||21,439|
||||21,439|
||||400|
||||**400**|
Approved by the trustees on 20 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
________________________ ________________________ Deirdre Cassidy Yvonne Devenney
8
## **ALTNAGELVIN PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP**
## **Detailed Receipts and payments for the year ended 30 June 2024**
|**Receipts**
Donations - general
National Lottery Community Fund - Xmas party (restricted)
National Lottery Community Fund - Acorn (restricted)
National Lottery Community Fund - Keadue (restricted)
The Halifax Foundation (restricted)
**Payments**
Small toys, bravery stickers etc
Christmas party expenses
Type 1 Diabetes resource packs
Parents afternoon tea event
Wellness packs for parents
International Nurses day celebration
Summer Youth Art programme
Parent restorative Yoga programme
Fathers day, Mothers day cupcakes
Fundraising costs
Administrator cost
Travel expenses
Repairs & maintenace
Postage & stationery
Thank you gifts
Insurance
Accountancy
Software
Pop up banner
VR Therapy headset
Bank Charges
Covid face masks, sanitiser, wipes
Sundry
**Net receipts/(payments)**
Transfers to/(from) funds
**Surplus/(Deficit) for the year**
Represented by:
Opening balance
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Closing Balance|Unrestricted Restricted
**Total**
Funds
Funds
**2024**
£
£
**£**
19,704
2,357
**22,061**
0
9,965
**9,965**
0
1,000
**1,000**
0
13,380
**13,380**
0
0
**0**
19,704
26,702
**46,406**
1,195
0
**1,195**
0
9,727
**9,727**
266
0
**266**
3,080
0
**3,080**
704
1,500
**2,204**
225
0
**225**
0
1,000
**1,000**
0
900
**900**
102
0
**102**
4,806
0
**4,806**
460
5,000
**5,460**
80
0
**80**
167
0
**167**
262
0
**262**
93
0
**93**
366
0
**366**
432
0
**432**
140
0
**140**
1,164
0
**1,164**
0
4,632
**4,632**
84
0
**84**
0
0
**0**
264
0
**264**
13,890
22,759
**36,649**
5,814
3,943
**9,757**
(2,275)
2,275
**0**
3,539
6,218
**9,757**
16,439
5,000
**21,439**
3,539
6,218
**9,757**
19,978
11,218
**31,196 **|Total
2023
£
4,520
6,700
0
0
5,000|
|---|---|---|
|||16,220|
|||1,667
7,004
3,504
2,560
0
0
0
0
0
1,804
0
0
17
317
96
356
540
140
180
0
78
192
105|
|||18,560|
||||
|||(2,340)|
|||0|
|||(2,340)|
|||23,779
(2,340)|
|||21,439|