The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".
Principal activity
The principal activity of the charitable company during the year continued to be the promotion of the charitable objects of assisting in the social welfare, education and physical well-being of young people from areas of social deprivation.
Ledley Hall exists to help young people take control of their lives. We work in partnership with children and young people as they seek to meet their personal, social, emotional, cultural, political, and physical needs. We offer young people guidance and support and encourage them to excel. Leading by example we promote values such as trust, honesty and friendship and dare young people to dream. In working to achieve these aims we will strive to create a climate of mutual respect, understanding and equality.
Vision Statement
Ledley Hall exists to help young people take control of their lives. We work in partnership with young people and provide opportunities for their development. We offer young people guidance and support and encourage them to excel. Leading by example, we promote values such as trust, honesty and friendship and dare young people to dream.
Values Statement
• the dignity and worth of every young person
• individual differences
• the growing autonomy of every young person
• every young person’s right to be a voluntary participant in any helping process
• the potential of every young person
We achieve our strategic objective by operating a Youth Club in dedicated premises. We have done this since 1942. We deliver services to young people in the 5-25 age range. This centre operates full-time over 7 days and has over 300 registered members.
Much of what we have stated in previous trustees reports is still applicable. Our strategic objectives remain as before namely to assist young people in regard to taking control of their lives. Our aim is to provide a safe and secure environment for our young people, a home from home, a place where young people have opportunities for fun, making memories and learning in an informal way. We provide one-to-one support for young people and have an on-site counsellor.
The Board of Ledley Hall Boys’ and Girls’ Club Trust Limited confirm that they have had due regard for the guidance produced on public benefit by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, and are pleased to report that during the year the charitable company has continued to provide public benefits through the programmes and services we offer. In particular, the directors consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set out.
Ledley Hall maintains excellent volunteer engagement. We have on average 55 volunteer hours per week. Over the 52 weeks of the year this equates to 2,860 hours per year. If this is conservatively valued at the average minimum wage for workers aged 21 years and older for the year of £11.44 an hour the volunteer effort amounts to over £32,718. Many of our programmes are reliant on volunteers and they are an essential part of what we do.
Ledley Hall continues to benefit from excellent volunteer engagement. Many of our programmes, including the Breakfast Club and our IABA affiliated boxing club, would not take place without the input of volunteers. We have high levels of volunteering, with at least 40 hours per week volunteered every week; this means that on average we receive over 2,000 volunteer hours every year.
During 2025, Ledley Hall Boys and Girls Club Trust Ltd continued to deliver a broad range of youth and community programmes, responding to local needs and supporting children, young people and families.
We were pleased to sustain the delivery of our IABA affiliated boxing club. This remains a strong and positive outlet for young people, promoting fitness, discipline, confidence and teamwork.
Our Children in Need funded Homework Club continued throughout the year, providing structured support for learning and helping to address educational underachievement. The club also provides a safe environment where young people can build positive study habits and receive encouragement from staff and volunteers.
We also continued to provide a Breakfast Club, ensuring children and young people have access to a nutritious start to the day and supporting families who may be experiencing financial pressures.
Our Kindness Crew remained a key strand of our work, providing food and provisions to local families and others within the community. This was supported by donations from Neighbourly, Mash Direct and the Hygiene Bank NI, alongside a weekly donation from Allied Bakeries of bread and pancakes. These donations support both the Kindness Crew and our Breakfast Club, and they also contribute to the availability of a night-time snack for young people attending evening sessions.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library continued to run during 2025 with the support of the Shared Housing Programme. This programme provides books for 100 children aged 0-5 every month, helping to ensure books are reaching homes and supporting early literacy. As well as providing books at the right age and stage, each delivery includes information for parents and carers to help them make the most of the books and encourage shared reading.
Youth Voice continues to be central to our approach. Our Junior Members and Seniors Members Committees have remained effective in putting forward the views and opinions of other young people within the centre, and in taking the lead on events and activities. For example, the Junior Members Committee assists in the delivery of seasonal discos for their peers.
We continued to work in partnership with Andy Allen Veterans Support to provide a monthly veterans breakfast and to develop projects that bring young people and veterans together. This has proven to be valuable intergenerational work, building mutual understanding and strengthening community connections.
An important part of our work continues to be our preventative curriculum. This includes age-appropriate safeguarding and wellbeing inputs such as PANTOSAURUS and internet safety, helping children and young people recognise risk, build resilience and make informed choices.
Our primary objective is as always to address the needs of our young people. This is done through consultation with them, their parents and the wider community. We facilitate an annual assessment of need and create our programmes and opportunities around the needs expressed. We also work to the Education Authorities Local Assessment of Need and the Local area plan for East Belfast and take into consideration the NISRA statistics for the area. The challenge is to respond as quickly as possible to emerging needs. Funding and the availability of resources continue to be ongoing considerations. Evaluations from our young people indicate satisfaction with the programmes delivered.
There have been no significant financial developments. Our financial situation is dependent on the funding received. There are no new factors affecting the financial position of the trust.
Our plans for future periods are to continue to address the needs of the young people as set out in our mission and vision statements. We will continue to work to maintain an appropriate reserves policy where possible.
Total income for the year was £169,023 (2024 - £145,449). Income from donations and legacies amounted to £168,809 (2024 - £145,271) and income from investments amounted to £214 (2024 - £178).
Total expenditure on charitable activities in the year amounted to £172,890 (2024 - £142,201).
The net deficit for the year amounted to £3,867 (2024 surplus £3,248).
The balance sheet shows that the charitable company had total funds of £354,527 as at 31 March 2025 (2024 - £358,394). This includes restricted funds carried forward of £182,666 (2024 - £188,063) and unrestricted funds of £171,861 (2024 - £170,331). Unrestricted funds excluding fixed assets (free reserves) are £33,865 (2024 - £25,409).
The trustees will continue to monitor this position going forward and, as described in note 1.2, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The results for the financial year are set out fully in the financial statements.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity to maintain free reserves which matches the needs of the trust, both at the current time and in the foreseeable future. This provides sufficient funds to cover running costs which include management, administration and support costs. Free reserves are those unrestricted reserves not designated nor invested in fixed assets which are available for general use.
The principal funding is from grants and donations.
The Ledley Hall Boys' and Girls' Club will continue to promote the improvement of social welfare, the fostering of community harmony, the improvement of health and physical well-being and the advancement of education in Northern Ireland. In particular we will address the needs of young people as they arise. We consider flexibility to be a very important aspect of meeting the needs of the young people.
Ledley Hall Boys’ and Girls’ Club Trust Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. It is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association and the liability of each member is limited to an amount not exceeding £1.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Many of the present members have been involved in the charity for a number of years and so are familiar with its work. The members regularly review the requirements of the charity and the possibility of a need for additional members. Any new members would be appointed by applying in writing to the Council for admission and be proposed by a member. The Council may reject the application or if not the Council will submit the application to the next annual general meeting of the Trust or to an extraordinary general meeting convened at the direction of the Council. The applicant shall be approved by an extraordinary resolution of the members of the Trust passed by a majority of those present.
Michelle Fullerton carries out the day to day management of the charity and has delegated authority for operational matters including finance and staffing. The directors manage all other business decisions and meet on a quarterly basis.
Organisational structure and related parties
The members and directors oversee the running of the charitable company. The related parties are the members, directors and their close family.
Risk management
The directors have overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity has in place an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise, to provide reasonable assurance that;
the charity is operating efficiently and effectively;
its assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use or disposition;
proper records are maintained and financial information used within the charity or for publication is reliable;
the charity complies with relevant laws and regulations; and
the charity’s systems of financial control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The members and directors have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to major risks. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the premises. These procedures are periodically reviewed at least annually to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charitable company.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 19.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
examine the financial statements under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
I have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and my 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. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees 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 accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3. That 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 I have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 10 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 10 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Ledley Hall Boys' and Girls' Club Trust Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 1 Ledley Hall Close, Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 4SW.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The trustees consider that the financial statements should be prepared on a going concern basis on the grounds that current and future sources of funding will be more than adequate for the charitable company's needs.
In forming their opinion, the trustees have considered the level of funds held by the charity and the expected level of income and expenditure for the period of twelve months from authorising these financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of overheads and support costs.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
Voluntary income received by way of donations and gift is credited to revenue on a receivable basis.
Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Investment income is interest earned through holding cash at bank. Interest income is recognised when receivable.
Other income represents income that cannot be reported under the other analysis headings provided within the Statement of Financial Activities.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries and includes salary costs and an apportionment of support costs;
Governance costs include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustee meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The charitable company is exempt from income tax and capital gains tax to the extent that its income and gains are applied for charitable purposes. No tax charge has arisen in the year.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from income tax and capital gains tax to the extent that its income and gains are applied for charitable purposes. No tax charge has arisen in the year.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
The transfer of funds represents depreciation on restricted fixed assets transferred out of unrestricted funds to restricted funds and fixed assets transferred from unrestricted funds to restricted funds.
A portion of grants received may become repayable if the charity fails to comply with the terms of the Letter of Offer.
During a prior year, a trustee made a non-interest bearing loan to the charitable company. The balance owing to the trustee at the year end was £2,513 and is included in other creditors.