2025-10-31-annual-report

Annual Trustee Report

Newtownhamilton & District Community First Responders Reporting Period: 1st November 2024 – 31st October 2025

1. Introduction

The Trustees of Newtownhamilton & District Community First Responders present their Annual Report for the year ended 31st October 2025. This report outlines the organisation’s activities, operational performance, community engagement, and financial position over the reporting period.

The organisation remains committed to providing rapid emergency response support and delivering life-saving training within the local community.

2. Chairperson’s Report

The Chairperson, Gemma, welcomed members, volunteers, and supporters to the Annual General Meeting and expressed sincere appreciation for their continued dedication and commitment.

During the year under review, operational activity was lower than in previous years. This was largely due to increased pressures on the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), resulting in extended response times to Category 2 calls. Consequently, fewer of these calls were deemed suitable for mobilisation of community responders, reducing the overall number of callouts attended.

Despite these challenges, the organisation maintained a strong focus on responding to Category 1 calls, where early intervention is critical and where responders can have the greatest impact. The commitment and professionalism demonstrated by volunteers in attending these high-priority incidents continues to be of significant value to the community.

In addition to emergency response activities, the organisation prioritised community engagement and preventative health initiatives. A key area of focus was the delivery of CPR and defibrillator training to local schools, sports clubs, and community groups. These initiatives play a vital role in strengthening the chain of survival by equipping members of the public with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations.

These outreach efforts have also contributed to strengthening relationships within the community, ensuring continued awareness, support, and engagement with the organisation’s work.

The Chairperson concluded by thanking all volunteers for their ongoing dedication and expressed best wishes for a healthy and successful year ahead.

3. Secretary’s Report

Throughout the reporting period, the organisation continued to deliver its core objectives of emergency response and community training.

A comprehensive programme of CPR and emergency response training was delivered, including refresher training for existing members and sessions for external groups such as sports clubs, Men’s Sheds, community organisations, and schools. This has contributed to increased awareness and capability within the community.

The Action Cancer Bus visited the area on two occasions, in March and October. Both clinics reached full capacity shortly after opening, demonstrating strong demand for these services. The service provider has indicated a willingness to return, highlighting the success and value of this initiative.

Since the previous AGM, a total of 74 callouts were recorded, with a response rate of 7%. A notable proportion of these callouts originated outside the group’s primary operational area, often within neighbouring responder group zones. This had an impact on response capability.

Engagement has taken place with NIAS regarding a review of operational boundaries to improve service delivery. At the time of reporting, no formal response has been received.

The organisation successfully secured funding from a range of sources, including local schools, community groups, clubs, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. These contributions have supported the continued delivery of services (as detailed in the Treasurer’s Report).

The Secretary formally acknowledges and thanks the Chairperson, Gemma; Trainer, Síobhan; Treasurer, Helen; committee members; and all volunteer responders for their commitment and contributions throughout the year.

4. Treasurer’s Report

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending 31st October 2025, the organisation maintained a stable financial position.

• Closing Bank Balance: £5,922.14

• Total Income: £2,973.50

• Total Expenditure: £4,515.55

The accounts were independently examined and signed off on 10th November, with confirmation that they present a true and fair view of the organisation’s financial position.

Expenditure

The largest area of expenditure related to equipment and training, including defibrillator pads, batteries, and training materials. These are essential to maintaining operational readiness and ensuring equipment meets required standards.

Insurance costs increased significantly during the year to £932.23 (previous year: £604.14), representing a rise of £328.09. This remains a key financial pressure and is expected to continue as a challenge in future years.

Other expenditure included venue hire and costs associated with the Action Cancer Bus initiative, many of which were supported through grant funding.

Income and Funding

Total income for the year was £2,973.50 , with £2,350.00 received through grants from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council:

• £1,350.00 awarded in May for CPR training and the Action Cancer Bus initiative

• £1,000.00 awarded in October through a Participatory Budgeting Project following a successful community vote

The Trustees wish to recognise Niall for his continued efforts in sourcing and securing grant funding, which is critical to sustaining and developing the organisation’s services.

Future planning will focus on the effective allocation of these funds in line with organisational priorities.

Donations

Donations totalled £623.50 and were received from:

• St Michael’s Primary School

• Newtownhamilton High School

• The Men’s Shed

• Craobh Rua Hurling Club

These donations were largely generated through community engagement initiatives, including non-uniform days and CPR training sessions. As training is provided free of charge, donations are received in lieu and are gratefully acknowledged.

There remains an opportunity to further develop this income stream through expanded training partnerships within the community.

5. Plans for the Future

The Trustees have identified several key priorities for the coming year:

• Continued delivery and expansion of CPR and defibrillator training

• Strengthening community engagement and partnerships

• Effective utilisation of grant funding

• Ongoing engagement with NIAS regarding operational improvements

• Managing rising operational costs, particularly insurance

6. Conclusion

The Trustees are pleased with the organisation’s continued impact within the community, despite operational challenges during the year.

The ongoing dedication of volunteers, support from funders and donors, and strong community engagement ensure that Newtownhamilton & District Community First Responders remains well-positioned to continue delivering vital services in the year ahead.