Extern Northern Ireland Annual Report 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 1

Northern Ireland Annual Report 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 2

THE EXTERN DIFFERENCE We Reach In We Walk Alongside

WE WALK ALONGSIDE. We believe in giving people as many chances as they need to transform their lives. Whatever problems or challenges a person may be facing, we keep going back - and back - until they are ready to engage with us. And if someone chooses to step back from working with us, we leave them with one important message: “When you are ready, however long that may be, we will be here for you. And we’ll say hello again soon.”

WE REACH IN. Every day we work with people who are marginalised, who feel isolated and vulnerable, and may find themselves unable to break out of the situation they find themselves in. So, when we knock on a door for the first time, we are often seeing an adult, a family or a young person at their most raw or vulnerable.

And we understand, because we deal in reality. We are proud to work alongside people who society may have forgotten about, or dismissed as ‘hard to reach’. So, when that person is ready, we help them open the door to begin to change their life, by reaching in and offering the support that they need.

2 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 3

CONTENTS Chair & CEO's Welcomes

4-5

We are Extern Northern Ireland

6-7

Our Services

8-19

Addictions

8-9

Homelessness & Housing

10-11

Justice Services

12-13

Mental Health

14

Minority Communities

15

Young People & Families

16-17

Looked After Children

18

Education & Employability

19

Our People

20-21

Volunteering: An Extra Special Year

22-23

Fundraising: A Year of Giving

24-25

Appendix: Company Details

26

Appendix: Board of Trustees

27

Appendix: Financial Accounts

28

Appendix: Our Funders

29

The names have been changed in the service user stories throughout this report to protect the identities of those involved.

Any accompanying photos we have used are for illustration only and should not be taken as bearing any resemblance to those people involved in our narrative.

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 3

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 4

Chair’s Welcome

In my role as Chair of Extern Northern Ireland over the past year, I have been so privileged to see the many ways in which our organisation has brought profound change to the lives of so many people.

This report is not just a collection of numbers and statistics; it bears witness to the incredible impact we have collectively made on the lives of those in need, and is a celebration of the spirit of those we support. So too is it a reaffirmation of our commitment to transparency and accountability.

Over the past year, we have continued to strive toward our fundamental goal of improving lives and fostering positive change. Together, we have touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals, providing them with hope, dignity, and opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

We have made great progress in so many of our key areas of work, such as supporting young people and families in need, as well as those managing poor mental health. We have widened out our refugee and homelessness support work to encompass those fleeing the war in Ukraine, as well as continuing to advocate at the highest levels for better supports for those managing problem substance use on our streets.

This report also serves as a reminder of the challenges we face. It is a call to action, encouraging us to further our commitment and expand our efforts, and we will once again rise to meet these challenges head-on, with the positive outlook that typifies our approach to our work.

As we look back on what we have achieved we must also continue to look forward to the future. Innovation is at the heart of what Extern does, and together we will continue to explore groundbreaking approaches and solutions to address the ever-evolving needs of the most vulnerable within our communities.

Our Vision

I have been pleased to warmly welcome Colin Hayburn as our new CEO this year, and extend my heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated team – at all levels within Extern – as well as our selfless volunteers, generous donors, and committed partners, without whose support, our work would not be possible.

We will aim to change lives to support a socially just and inclusive society.

This report is a testament to the impact that can be achieved when a team of dedicated professionals comes together with a shared purpose. Let it inspire us to reach even greater heights and make an even more significant difference in the lives we touch.

Our Mission

Sincerely,

We will create opportunities and provide supports to enable everyone to meaningfully participate in society.

Aideen D’Arcy, Chair, Extern NI

4 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 5

CEO's Welcome I am fortunate and honoured to be in the role of CEO of Extern as of January 2023. When I read the stories contained in this report, I am both humbled and inspired to now be part of Extern.

Faced with seemingly overwhelming societal and personal circumstances each person, within this report, has courageously met the challenges they have been presented with and has begun the journey to where they wish to be. I have the added privilege of being a witness to how the incredible staff at Extern engage with those we work with. I hope you are also inspired when you read this report.

I also hope, like me, you are challenged. Challenged to be part of a society that remembers and supports a community wherein no-one is left behind for whatever reason. We should also continually challenge ourselves to be informed about the issues in society that keep anyone from achieving their aspirations; be that for a place to call home; to feel safe; to keep their family together; to have access to education and employment; to be accepted and not judged by their past or their circumstances.

As an organisation Extern partners with, and is an advocate for, those who deserve a second chance. We have an outstanding team across Northern Ireland who put their heart and soul into their work. Our desires are to encourage each person to progress and not to be hindered or kept back by societal pressures. I am privileged to be part of this team and would like to thank the trustees for giving me this opportunity.

Finally, I have also been privileged to meet and work with our commissioners who have the unenviable job of discharging their statutory duties whilst under severe budgetary pressures. This will be an ongoing struggle in the years ahead, but I believe with good communication and prioritisation, together we can meet the challenges ahead to better the lives of those most in need.

Colin Hayburn CEO, Extern

Our Values Respect We value the feelings, opinions and rights of our service users, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Integrity All our decisions and interactions will be ethical, open, honest, and transparent.

Compassion We care about our service users and colleagues and will act with empathy in all engagements.

Accountability We hold ourselves and each other responsible for our decisions and actions.

Professional We work inclusively with service users, colleagues, and key stakeholders to deliver high quality supports and evidence-based services.

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 5

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 6

We are Extern Northern Ireland We are a charity which works across Northern Ireland to support people in bringing positive change to their lives – no matter how big or small that change may be.

The services we provide are as varied and diverse as the people we support. Just as no two people are the same, so too do we recognise that everyone we support is facing a unique set of circumstances and challenges.

We are not there to judge or offer empty promises.

We are there to give everyone – whatever their situation, whatever their past – the right support to manage the challenges they may be facing.

WHAT WE DO ADDICTIONS Our services provide flexible, pragmatic support, with our teams providing person-centred engagement and adopting proven harm reduction and intervention approaches to treatment and support. See Page 8 to find out how we have been at the forefront of calls for a new Overdose Prevention Facility for Belfast

10,569 people supported by Extern’s projects across NI in 2022-23

MINORITY COMMUNITIES Through our refugee and minority community projects, we support a diverse range of people, meeting them at their point of need and acknowledging the trauma which many may have experienced before coming to us. Turn to Page 15 to see how we have continued to support people as they resettle and find a new life here.

6 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING Our frontline teams bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to meeting our service users at their point of need, taking a holistic view to supporting people with often complex underlying issues in their lives. Turn to Page 10 to see how we have been working with partners and stakeholders to try and bring positive change to people’s lives.

2,464 young people supported by our projects in 2022-23

YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES Our Young People and Families services focus on building the capacity of individuals and families, supporting their individually assessed needs through a strengths-based approach. See Page 16 for how we are building positive, trusting relationships with our service users.

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 7

EDUCATION & EMPLOYABILITY

JUSTICE SERVICES We put our service users at the heart of our decision-making, taking a holistic, needs-led and trauma-aware approach to meeting the challenges they are facing. On Page12, we meet Michael Warren, who was appointed as manager of our Dismas and Innis hostels in 2022-23 to hear how he and his team have been making a difference to the lives of their service users.

MENTAL HEALTH Our mental health services take a traumaaware approach to meeting the needs of those who come to us for support, acknowledging the underlying experiences and inequalities which contribute to these needs. On Page 14 we look at how our community-based teams have been reaching in to support people who are managing poor mental health.

Through our Moving Forward, Moving On project, we support people who are among the most marginalised to find a pathway into training or employment, to improve their opportunities and experiences in the world of work. See Page 19 for details.

8,105

people supported by our Adult projects in 2022-23

LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN We believe that all young people deserve the best start possible. Turn to Page 18 to find out how our Mentoring (Children Looked After) programme provides life-changing supports to young people who are within the care system in NI, helping them to realise their true potential and find a positive outlook for their lives.

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 7

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 8

ADDICTIONS MEETING COMPLEX NEEDS Working at community and street level, and across a number of locations in Belfast and farther afield, our diverse range of projects continued to support people living with varying levels of problem drug and alcohol use.

Our frontline teams faced ever increasing demands for services as unfortunately the number of people impacted by addictions remained high. One of the most challenging situations faced by the teams was in response to the tragic deaths of 16 people on the streets of Belfast during the summer of 2022.

While deaths from overdose and polydrug use have been becoming increasingly common on our streets in recent years, it was the swiftness with which these occurred during such a short period from June to August that brought the issue to wider public attention.

This saw renewed calls by Extern for a dedicated Overdose Prevention Facility (OPF) for the city, as it became clear that there was a need for an additional preventative measure to tackle this issue.

To support our call we held a special film screening event in December alongside Queen’s University Belfast of the film Love in the Time of Fentanyl at the Queen’s Film Theatre. An audience of invited guests – including representatives from the PSNI, Belfast City Council and other statutory agencies - were given a screening of this powerful documentary, filmed in an OPF in Vancouver. This was followed by a panel discussion which included speakers from Queen’s University and the European Network of People Who Use Drugs.

Another positive step forward came in March 2023, when Belfast City Council successfully passed a motion calling for an OPF within the city.

Our Belfast-based BDACTS Connections project also continued its work reaching into communities to offer support and

8 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

health advice around drug and alcohol use. The service was at the forefront of marking Dry January and Feelgood February at the beginning of 2023 with a series of workshops on healthy living across local communities. As well as showing healthier alternatives to consuming alcohol, these sessions highlighted that by continuing to cut down on their drinking and by adopting healthier daily habits in the longer-term people can expect to see a range of benefits including weight loss and lowered blood pressure.

This was also a busy year for our projects working in the Northern and Southern Health Trusts, including our Low Threshold teams which delivered hundreds of interventions, including 1-1 appointments and telephone calls to people seeking support, as well as their family networks.

Our Ballymena-based team brought their work to a wider audience during a special health fair in Derry-Londonderry, where they were able to reach in to offer advice and signposting to services which offer support.

Our Step 2 teams also identified a marked change in the needs of many individuals during the year, with many addiction-related issues resulting from financial stress, poor mental health and isolation.

In response the teams focussed on areas such as early intervention for mental health, working systemically to support the whole family network and ensuring that anyone experiencing suicidal ideation could be supported in a timely manner and signposted to appropriate supports.

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 9

ADDICTIONS

"EXTERN'S SUPPORT HELPED ME MAKE A MASSIVE CHANGE IN MY LIFE" “I first came into contact with Extern a few years ago, when I was living in homeless accommodation. I returned to them again recently when I found myself living on the streets, and the homeless liaison nurse I was working with put me back in touch with them.

I was dealing with crack and heroin addiction. I had no access to housing, and had no access to a GP, so I was unable to make contact with the local community addictions service.

Extern were able to help me with linking in with my local team, though, and I began to engage with them to manage my drug use.

I’m not using any substances now and have been placed in temporary accommodation, which is a big step to getting back on my feet. Extern have supported me in getting involved with both of these services and I know that without the help of their team I would not be in the place I am.

Working with Extern has shown me that by sticking with it, you can see a massive change in your life.”

Owen, Low Threshold, Co Down

ADDICTIONS COMMISSIONERS: Public Health Agency; Policing and Community Safety Partnership SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 3,650 LOCATIONS: Belfast; Ballymena & wider Northern Trust area; Newry and wider Southern Trust area

Image Credit: Justin Kernoghan Belfast Live

HIGHLIGHTS: 1,177 people given support through our Street Injectors Support Service and Drugs Accommodation Support Project (DASP) in Belfast; the Northern Low Threshold project saw a marked increase in referrals, with 229 people engaging for the first time EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 9

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 10

HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING SHARING OUR WORK ON THE FRONTLINES Our dedicated teams across Belfast and farther afield continued to be at the forefront of meeting the needs of the people we support through our range of homelessness and housing services.

In December, our teams marked Homelessness Awareness Week (HAW) with a series of ‘Meet the Team’ events at our Belfast-based Royal Avenue hub and our Mid-Ulster and South Tyrone (MUST) Hostel in Cookstown.

An invited audience of partners, funders, elected representatives and key stakeholders from across the sector – including the Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Tina Black - were given the opportunity to see at first hand the life-changing work which is carried out by our teams across our range of housing and homelessness projects.

In keeping with HAW’s theme of ‘Having the Conversation’, a special panel discussion was also held at the Belfast event to look at the issues which are currently affecting the sector. Chaired by Extern Homes Manager Declan Morris, the panel included representatives from Homeless Connect and the NI Housing Executive as well as staff from our frontline homeless and hostels projects.

funding for services, recruitment issues within the sector and how to tackle the lack of adequate social housing for those wishing to move on from temporary accommodation.

And guests at our Cookstown event took the opportunity to meet with staff from both our MUST and SAIL (Supporting Adults for Independent Living) projects (below), as well as being given a tour of the site.

This year the hostel participated in a full inspection by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate NI and was commended for its warm environment and service-user led approach.

Among the key issues covered in the debate were the need for multi-year

HOSTEL TEAM TAKES TOP PRIZE There was great news for our Belfastbased homeless teams as they were recognised for their innovative work supporting people facing problem substance use at the Chartered Institute of Housing All Ireland Housing Awards 2023.

The team took home the award for Excellence in Health & Wellbeing for our innovative Ormeau Centre/Drugs Accommodation Support Project (DASP).

10 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

The prestigious awards recognise and celebrate good practice, highlight innovation, and showcase the work of housing professionals and their communities across the island of Ireland.

Also shortlisted at the awards, in the Working in Partnership category, was Extern’s Multi-Disciplinary Homeless Support Team (MDHST), which provides support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have complex additional needs,

including diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health, substance misuse, physical health issues, offending backgrounds, learning disability and family issues.

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 11

HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING

G

HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING COMMISSIONERS: Northern Ireland Housing Executive/Supporting People SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 1,757 LOCATIONS: Belfast; Enniskillen; Newcastle; Downpatrick; Cookstown; Magherafelt, HIGHLIGHTS: 846 people provided with support through the MultiDisciplinary Homeless Support Team (MDHST) in Belfast; 15 people successfully resettled to independent accommodation from the Ormeau Centre hostel Extern NI Chair Aideen D'Arcy (left) with Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Tina Black and Extern Assistant Director of Services (NI) Emma Purdon at the Royal Avenue event for Homelessness Awareness Week, which took place in December.

NEW WEB TOOL SUPPORTS LANDLORDS

In May, Extern joined forces with NIACRO to launch a unique new online training tool to help educate landlords in how to prevent their tenants from sliding into homelessness.

The online tool, and associated website, provides landlords in both the private and public sectors with the skills to identify when renters may be facing issues which could impact upon their ability to sustain their tenancies, such as poor mental health, financial issues or family breakdown.

Co-Chairs of the Homelessness Prevention Forum Declan Morris, from Extern, and Paul Fleming, from NIACRO, highlighted how the increased interventions and support provided through the website could stop many issues from escalating to a crisis stage where people lose their homes.

The tool was developed by the Homelessness Prevention Forum - a collaboration of 19 services involved in the prevention of homelessness and housing support, of which Extern is a member through funding from the Housing Executive.

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 11

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 12

JUSTICE SERVICES PROVIDING SUPPORT The appointment of a new manager to our Probation Approved hostels in Belfast has brought renewed energy to our work supporting people who have been engaged within the criminal justice system.

Michael Warren has been associated with Dismas and Innis for a number of years, having previously worked there in other roles. And for the father-of-one it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience to date.

“I actually started in Innis and Dismas in my early 20s doing bank work, so it's been a nice turnaround to come back as the manager,” he says. “I've worked with several teams in Extern and I've always enjoyed it. So Extern is a bit like home to me career-wise.”

Michael can also call upon some family experience for his new role, as his father John also worked for many years within Extern’s hostels.

“He managed Innis and Dismas at separate times, so that's been a really lovely experience, to be sitting in his chair and be doing the work that he was doing. It has been a really wholesome experience for both of us and it's nice to make him proud like that.”

Michael has seen many changes over the past decade or so, especially in the complexity of need which faces many of the people he and his team supports.

“The client group is quite different to what I would have remembered.

There's a lot more addiction issues, and a lot more mental health issues that are now being spoken about that maybe wouldn't have been acknowledged as much before.”

Just as that complexity of need has changed in recent years, so too has the approach taken to managing this.

“We've always had to adapt to new challenges and new ways of working. The criteria for admissions into the hostels have changed and the risks have increased and we've had to adapt to that.

Michael has also inherited a strong team of dedicated professionals, many of whom he has worked with already for a number of years.

“I would have known some of the core staff already from my own experience working there; walking in the door from the first day, those guys have given me nothing but respect.”

“We have more risk of overdose and we have more individuals with violent offence backgrounds than we would have ever had before.

“So it's really about ensuring that those people are supported, but also making sure you're mitigating the risks and looking after the staff.”

Ensuring that everyone who arrives at our hostels is treated nonjudgmentally and with respect is also central to the work of Michael and his team.

“Relationships are key to what we do. You need to get off to a good start with everybody that's walking in that door and who is going to reside there for however many months.

“It's about making it feel like a home for them. That's where they live, it's not just a hostel, it's not just temporary accommodation.

While they're there, you want them to feel safe and supported and I feel like we've accomplished that well over this past year.”

JUSTICE SERVICES COMMISSIONERS: Department of Justice; Northern Ireland Housing Executive/Supporting People SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 344 LOCATIONS: Belfast; Cookstown; Derry-Londonderry; Northern Trust HIGHLIGHTS: 69 people provided with a place to stay at our Dismas and Innis probationapproved hostels; 41 people engaged with our MUST hostel, Cookstown; 234 service users supported through our Criminal Justice Floating Support Service

12 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 13

JUSTICE SERVICES

A letter of thanks...

Dear Sir,

I am writing to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the team at Innis Hostel, Belfast as I will be moving to a flat of my own.

I came to Innis Hostel in November, 2022, after having spent 20 months as a prisoner. I had a few changes of clothing and little else, including self-esteem and hope for the future, as whilst I was serving my sentence I separated from my partner and lost everything that mattered to me in life.

Ten months later I completed the first of six modules of a BA (Hons) Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing and I am far more confident and hopeful of a better future.

The staff at the hostel have never judged me and have always been positive and supportive. They have helped me get my feet back on the ground and in the real world. For someone who has lost everything and feels utterly worthless a simple kind word can make a world of difference to your day and there have been plenty of those from the team at Innis. At all times I have been treated with the utmost respect and as a human being, something I did not expect in all honesty.

I would like to thank my key workers, who have regularly checked in just to see how I am doing and helped answer any queries I may have had, and supported me where necessary with filling forms in. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for them.

I would also like to thank all of the wider team at Extern, whose hard work and vision enables people like me, who have paid the price required by the justice system, to rebuild their lives in a judgment-free, supportive and welcoming environment. I do not think I would be able to write this email had I not been placed into the care of Extern and the staff at Innis Hostel.

My heartfelt and most sincere thanks

RENEWED FUNDING GIVES BOOST TO BELFAST SERVICE There was good news for our Belfast-based Criminal Justice Floating Support project with the announcement of renewed funding to support service users in need of mental health support.

Generous funding from the St-Martin-in-the-Fields charity - £62,630 was awarded for 2022 and £71,728 for 2023 – has been used to offer counselling sessions for service users who are unable to access mainstream mental health services.

organisations which support its vision of everyone having a safe place to call home and the support they need.

Renewal of the funding for a second year at the beginning of 2023 has meant that some of our most vulnerable and marginalised service users were again able to access life-changing support throughout the year, as they made the transition from the criminal justice system to the community.

In 2021, Extern had been selected as one of the successful recipients of the funding from the Londonbased charity, which had announced that it would be making over £1.5 million available over three years to EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 13

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 14

MENTAL HEALTH REACHING OUT TO SUPPORT WELLBEING With mental health continuing to affect so many people within our communities, our range of acute and locally-based services had another busy year of engagement.

Meanwhile, staff from our Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) in Derry-Londonderry opened their doors to invited guests for a special open afternoon event during the week.

Staff and volunteers from our mental health projects across Belfast, East Antrim and Derry-Londonderry joined in with Mental Health Awareness Week in May with a series of events and activities aimed at promoting mental wellbeing as well as raising awareness of our work.

Supporters from our Embrace open water swimming group in Larne (above) got the week off to a brisk start with a special sunrise dip at Ballygally beach as part of the Darkness Into Light event. Formed by a number of our fantastic Community Champions, the group promotes the mental and physical benefits of cold water therapy and has attracted a loyal following of open water swim enthusiasts.

The importance of taking time out to share your worries or anxieties with others was also the focus of a number of Tea & Talk events during the week. We were very kindly welcomed into cafes in Larne and the Shankill to meet with the public and offer a listening ear, as well as signposting to services in the local area.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Graham Warke was among the guests at the ‘Meet the Team’ event, which took place at CCIS’ office in the Waterside area of the city.

Also joining us on the day were funders, partners and peer organisations from the local area, who took the opportunity to engage with our frontline staff and find out more about the life-saving work they carry out.

Our Belfast-based Crisis Intervention Service also continued its vital work offering support to people with current and ongoing suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The service provided crisis response to over 250 individuals, delivering 1,500 sessions across the year.

MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSIONERS: Public Health Agency; Department for Communities; Department of Health/Community Foundation NI; The Executive Office/Co-operation Ireland SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 1,530 LOCATIONS: Belfast; Derry-Londonderry; Carrickfergus/Larne HIGHLIGHTS: 895 interventions recorded by the Community Crisis Intervention Service in DerryLondonderry; 334 people across Greater Belfast given help with mental health through the Reach Out project

"I FEEL LIKE I AM AN ASSET TO EXTERN NOW" “I’ve suffered from mental health issues for much of my life. I had multiple adverse childhood experiences, which led to prolonged periods where I’ve suffered from depression, as well as feelings of guilt and shame. These then led to poor self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. At its most severe my low mood led to me attempting to take my own life. I have used drugs and alcohol to cope, but mostly to escape.

At the beginning of 2022, my depression returned, as did the suicidal thoughts. This manifested into a period of excessive alcoholism which left me hospitalised. After getting out of hospital I sought help for my issues, and that’s when I first became aware of Extern.

It was their idea of setting up a Post-Recovery Hub that drew me to become more involved with them. They offered me extensive support and I have gone on to become a Community Champion for them, which has given me structure and routine.

I feel like I’m an asset to Extern and that my contribution is valued. My selfesteem has greatly improved, I’m happier, more positive and hopeful for my future.”

Eddie, Service User, Reach Out, Belfast

14 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 15

MINORITY COMMUNITIES AN EXPERIENCED APPROACH The ongoing needs of those whose lives have been impacted by conflict were a key focus of our refugee support work throughout this year.

As the war in Ukraine dominated the political agenda this year, our experience of supporting refugees proved invaluable as we took on a key role in helping find new homes for those fleeing the fighting.

also established good working relationships with many key partners within the refugee integration sector so we were confident that we could undertake this challenge with the urgency it required.”

Following our involvement in delivering the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, alongside partners within the sector, Extern was invited to join an initial response steering group to the Ukraine conflict with representatives from across government departments, as well as statutory and voluntary services.

Within days of the steering group being established, Extern were setting up the team to deliver this service, with home visits to prospective hosts commencing within just a few weeks. This required establishing processes and systems to assess and record the information required for screening suitability.

There, it was determined that Northern Ireland would be implementing the Homes for Ukraine scheme, whereby Ukrainian individuals and families would match with ‘hosts’, who would offer accommodation to people who were fleeing the conflict. The scheme would require hosts to be screened for suitability and eligibility of a government ‘thank you payment’. It was determined that Extern and Barnardo’s would take forward this screening process by mobilising a team of skilled keyworkers.

“As this was a very quick turnaround, the initial challenges we faced were around completing visits at a rapid pace, reassuring hosts’ concerns and managing a daily increase of allocations being made to the service,” says Kirsty.

“We were very proactive and colleagues from other projects across the organisation volunteered to support the home visit process to meet the need, which really demonstrated the ‘above and beyond’ ethos and values of staff within Extern.”

“We have been delivering services to individuals fleeing conflict for many years, so we had a team of skilled and experienced keyworkers in place who understand the complexities and challenges facing individuals resettling in Northern Ireland,” explains Programme Manager Kirsty McCann. “We had

As well as the excellent working relationships we had already established with partner agencies, our previous experience was also important in putting in place the systems which would immediately benefit the service users, such as interpreting services and signposting to other supports to meet their basic needs.

The hosts themselves were also a crucial support system for the new arrivals, with many offering practical help with accompanying their new guests to appointments, supporting them to set up with local health providers and attending the Ukrainian Assistance Centre, to ensure they had access to welfare benefits and support to resettle.

For those relocating to more rural areas, with limited access to shops and transport options, the hosts were very accommodating, supporting them with accessing transport and other practical needs.

MINORITY COMMUNITIES COMMISSIONERS: Department for Communities; Belfast Trust SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 824 LOCATIONS: Belfast HIGHLIGHTS: 682 people provided with assistance through the Homes for Ukraine scheme; 309 people engaged with the Refugee Floating Support Service

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 15

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 16

YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES CHANGING THE CONVERSATION Our projects across Northern Ireland continued their outstanding work in supporting young people facing a range of complex issues in their lives.

One of our Belfast-based projects made big steps in building good relationships between young people and the police during this year.

Reaching in to young people within deprived communities has long been at the heart of much of Extern’s work. And a key part of this has been the Conversation Piece project, which successfully concluded this year after supporting dozens of young people across inner city Belfast.

Created in 2019, Conversation Piece was commissioned by Belfast City Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership to ‘personalise’ relationships between young people and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. One of the purposes of the project was to encourage young people to see police officers as ‘real’ people – that by humanising the men and women in uniform they might engender better relationships.

The barriers which were stopping many young people from engaging with or seeking assistance from the police were many, but one key underlying issue was the influence of paramilitary organisations within many local communities.

Giving young people the confidence that they would be listened to was therefore a crucial aspect of Conversation Piece. While the premise of the project was, at first glance, straightforward enough – people sitting in a room and

talking – it required a great degree of preparation to ensure the sessions began positively.

This included working with a skilled facilitator to be able to direct the conversation and conducting preparation sessions with the young people beforehand, to look at what areas of discussion they wanted to cover with the police officers.

Extern’s wealth of experience in supporting young people through its youth work projects also provided a positive basis for the project to build upon. Indeed, Covid restrictions around the time of the initial launch meant some of the earliest sessions were rolled out with young people who were already engaged with Extern’s projects, such as Pathways and the Personal Change Project.

The initial response from young people to the project was good, with word of mouth also generating further interest among their peers, and overall feedback from both the young people and PSNI was positive.

With the project concluding during 2022-23, hopes of being able to renew it on a longer-term basis remain. And whatever the future may hold, the trust that has been built among many of those who engaged will undoubtedly provide a vital foundation in diverting young people away from negative influences in the future.

16 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

LINX Our Newtownards-based LINX project enjoyed another successful year, providing over 3,600 hours of tailored support to young people and their parents across the SouthEastern Trust area Among the highlights of the programme were a fantastic summer programme for small groups, focussing on wellbeing, social skills and pro-social activities, while some of our young people even attended a therapeutic well-being group at a local donkey sanctuary.

YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES COMMISSIONERS: Belfast Trust; South-Eastern Trust; Northern Trust; Western Trust; Strategic Planning and Performance Group; Education Authority; Public Health Agency SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 2,196 LOCATIONS: Derry-Londonderry; Lisburn; Newtownards; Bangor; Enniskillen; Omagh HIGHLIGHTS: 707 placements supported through our Roscor Youth Village, Co Fermanagh; 144 Time Out placements provided at Kinnahalla Respite Centre, Co Down

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 17

KINNAHALLA Our respite services for young people at Kinnahalla youth village in the beautiful Mourne Mountains were given a boost after the centre received a well-deserved makeover this year.

This included repainting of the interior, including all of the bedrooms after we were told by the young people themselves that this was a priority for them. The team have also included inspirational quotes around the walls to encourage and motivate the young people, all of which have received a hugely positive response. This work helped build on the fantastic redevelopment which had already taken place on the exterior spaces, including the artificial sports pitch at the front of the property during the previous year.

"MY CONFIDENCE GREW THROUGH THE YES PROGRAMME” “When I came to the Youth Engagement Service (YES) I was dealing with so many things – anxiety at work, lack of confidence, no motivation, and family illness, among others.

From the start I felt supported and was given help on how to manage my anxiety. By talking through things that happened to me at work I learnt to stop being so hard on myself.

Thanks to this, I felt more able to deal with struggles in a healthy way and with a better mindset. I no longer catastrophise things. My friends have also noticed how my confidence has shot up because I am so much more happy overall.

I’m so thankful that I gave the project – and myself – a chance.”

Jess, YES Project, Bangor EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 17

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 18

LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN A CARING APPROACH The young people engaged with our Mentoring (Children Looked After) project made the most of the return to normality following Covid with a range of exciting activities throughout the year. This included activity days from go-karting and trampolining to attending the pantomime over the Christmas period.

Staff also continued to engage the young people in one-to-one mentoring around areas of need and, in partnership with the young people themselves, to support them with areas of their lives they might be finding difficult.

Our young people also enthusiastically participated in sessions around Children’s Mental Health Week, and celebrated Care Day by engaging in a group activity on the positives of being in care, challenging some of the negative stereotypes associated with this.

Mentors also engaged young people in positive self-talk sessions, taking a strengths-based approach to building on confidence and self-esteem. The team created self-care packs for the young people, including mindfulness colouring books and breathing technique worksheets with a focus on managing anxiety, particularly for young people approaching exams.

The mentors have continued to build on relationships with carers and other professionals too, networking across the statutory, voluntary and community sector, attending reviews and supporting care plans. This included attending events such as The Fostering Network’s Tick the Box campaign and the Generation Hope: Youth Suicide Prevention Conference.

The team also joined with our Moving Forward, Moving On project this year to commission a special report from Ulster University on the impact of our mentoring work.

This included a series of focus groups with staff and young people, with the report due to be formally launched later in 2023.

18 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN COMMISSIONERS: Strategic Planning and Performance Group; Western Trust; South-Eastern Trust SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 150 LOCATIONS: Belfast (supporting NI-wide); Western Trust; South-Eastern Trust HIGHLIGHTS: Around two-thirds of the young people supported by the Mentoring (Children Looked After) project stated they had improved physical health, feelings & behaviour and/or education & learning outcomes following their engagement

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 19

EDUCATION & EMPLOYABILITY HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY Our Belfast-based Moving Forward, Moving On programme was one of a number of projects which helped to trial a new online platform aimed at young people aged 16-24.

The ITER Project offers staff an interactive platform to engage with young people they support. The software – developed by Antares SRL Italy – features games and activities which allow the young person to share their thoughts and feelings in an easily-accessible manner.

Staff can then gauge the young person’s strengths as well as areas for development. This in turn can help to inform the young person’s aims and aspirations towards training or employment.

The project has been delivered in partnership with a number of other European organisations, including: GEMS Northern Ireland Limited; University of Huddersfield; Time Associates; Antares SRL Italy; Eulab Consulting, Italy; Desincoop, Portugal; University Politehica of Bucharest, Romania; and Békés County Government Office, Hungary.

Staff from MFMO travelled to Huddersfield in Yorkshire to report on their work, and to showcase a specially-commissioned video showing the software in action (below).

“The Mentoring project gives me something to look forward to every week, I always have lots of fun. I enjoy going out for coffee and talking because we always have a lot of laughs and I feel comfortable.

It has helped me in many different ways.”

Young service user, Mentoring (Children Looked After)

The video also features moving insight from former service users who have now joined Extern as staff members. Alex and Jamie shared their own personal stories of how mentoring helped them to overcome challenges when they were younger. Feedback from funders towards the video was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for Alex and Jamie’s contributions.

SKILLS & EMPLOYABILITY COMMISSIONERS: Department for the Economy; National Lottery Community Fund SERVICE USERS SUPPORTED: 118 LOCATIONS: Belfast HIGHLIGHTS: 58 participants progressed into education/training and 19 into employment EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 19

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 20

OUR PEOPLE CORPORATE SUPPORT Every day, our fantastic frontline teams go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of so many of the diverse range of people we support across our wide range of projects.

“I enjoy working for Extern as I feel as though I am part of a bigger picture and am helping to deliver crucial services in the community. I like doing work that helps to promote a positive employee experience, whether this is learning and development or an employee wellbeing initiative. In my role there is also scope to be creative in terms of approaching things differently to how they’ve been done before and to put my mark on things, and I like having that challenge.”

Matthew Harbinson, Learning, Development and Wellbeing Advisor

And supporting them are a team of highly-skilled professionals and specialists across a range of corporate support services, including ICT, Human Resources, Finance, Data Protection, Admin and many others.

These dedicated people ensure that all of the functions and processes are in place to enable our services within local communities to be able to provide the best service possible to the people they support.

“I provide financial support and assistance for the projects that I am associated with, so I need to have good attention to detail to ensure costs are being recorded and reported accurately. I also need to have good communication skills to have financial conversations with the team on the project who may not have a finance background.

Being involved in the financing of the work we do really gives me an insight into what the funding is being used for and how it is helping people. When we can continue to fund a project or make a new project financially viable I feel I am making some small contribution towards Extern’s goals and in helping our people on the frontlines deliver our services to those that we want to help.

I think the work that we do makes Extern a special place to work but that would not be possible without those individuals within the organisation who are so committed to trying to help improve the lives of other people.

It’s these things that make Extern a very special place.”

Felix Brennan, Finance Business Partner

“I have always wanted to work within the charity sector and after seeing the amazing work done in Extern’s projects across Ireland I was very eager to join the team and begin my HR career.

I enjoy working with the team and assisting in general HR project work and am delighted to be able to gain more experience and develop my knowledge. I also assist the Volunteer Coordinator with administrative tasks and look forward to the challenge of taking on the role temporarily in the year ahead.

I love being given the opportunity to gain new knowledge and learning every day and enjoy being part of a team who work together to deliver the best service possible. The things that we do in our team help and support the frontline projects and employees to do the invaluable and inspiring work that they deliver every day in our communities. What Extern does for the young people, families and individuals they support in changing their lives for the better is inspirational and I feel proud to be a small part of such a great organisation!”

Jenny Hanna, HR Coordinator

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 21

OUR PEOPLE

“I wanted to work for a charity, but helping out in the background rather than on the frontline, so that’s why I enjoy my role so much. I can do my bit for Extern in the best way I know how.

Most people consider GDPR to be rather a dry subject, but if you understand it, it is quite interesting in how it affects other laws and legislation. There are so many aspects to it, everything from handling Subject Access Requests and dealing with data breaches, to working with frontline services to help them comply with legislation through things like policies and procedures, guidance, and training.

With so many projects and funders to think about, it can be pretty challenging at times, but it’s enjoyable too and quite rewarding.”

Keeva Turner, Data Protection Officer

“My days are packed with a variety of tasks all aimed at keeping our tech operations running smoothly and securely. My main job is overseeing the daily hustle and bustle of the IT department and making sure projects are moving along nicely.

The services provided by Extern whether it's assisting those facing homelessness, dealing with mental health issues, or providing support to families - require a reliable and efficient IT backbone. Our task is to ensure that this remains capable of supporting the diverse range of services offered. While our work may mostly reside behind the scenes, the significance of IT's role in supporting and enhancing the frontline services is undeniable.

Caoimhe McDonald and Matthew Harbinson from our HR team saw their hard work and dedication repaid this year after receiving their Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, while Caoimhe completed her ILM in Volunteer Management

Having been a part of Extern for a decade, I’ve witnessed first-hand the commitment the organisation has towards creating a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities. The ethos and the purpose-driven approach of Extern make it a remarkable place to work.”

Alan Keenan, Assistant Manager of IT

Our HR team have been busy throughout the year, with key achievements including: • A new HR Information System (People HR) Introduced from September 2022 • We became a Real Living Wage Employer, with a commitment to track the Real Living Wage in NI • We established an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion forum • Developing and delivering our E-Learning to include an online organisational induction for all new starts • Strengthening our suite of HR policies to keep in line with changes in legislation and best practice • Improving our processes in relation to Performance Appraisals and Supervision • A continued focus on employee reward, including implementation of pay increments and cost of living award to support recruitment and retention • 51 new starts commenced and inducted EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 21

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 22

VOLUNTEERING AN EXTRA SPECIAL YEAR… Our volunteering programme continued to grow throughout 2022-23, building upon the successes which had been achieved the previous year with the establishment of the Extern Extras programme.

As we began the year, we were able to reflect on the first full year of the new and improved Extern Extras programme, which had seen the launch of several new opportunities, revised role descriptors, and brand-new bespoke volunteer training courses, as well as a cohort of enthusiastic new volunteers and Community Champions.

On the back of these developments, it was during 20222023 that we really started to reap the rewards of the new and improved processes we had established, welcoming 32 new volunteers to the organisation.

“Overall, we have seen a continued interest in volunteering both internally and externally,” says Volunteer Coordinator Caoimhe McDonald (right). “Members of the public are passionate about Extern’s mission to transform lives, and we continue to be humbled by their kind offers to volunteer to work alongside our staff teams. As we emerged from the worst of the pandemic, many people also felt called to give back to and support their local communities.

£30,000 raised with support from volunteers

As well as continuing to fill many of the existing roles, this year we were able to offer some new volunteer opportunities, including recruiting for an Education Support Volunteer for Extern Ireland, as part of our Youth Diversion Projects, which support young people aged 12-17 who are at risk of, or who are involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour.

Delivered in partnership with the HSE, the Iscoil programme is a nonprofit online learning service that offers young people a pathway to learning which supports them to obtain an education and achieve their potential.

“Across the organisation, word has also been spreading about the amazing work our volunteers do, and many more managers and staff teams were in contact during the year to express an interest in engaging volunteers.”

15

projects and programmes supported by our volunteers across the island of Ireland

22 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

In Northern Ireland, meanwhile, our volunteers have been filling a variety of roles, including preparing meals in our hostels, delivering mental health and bereavement support groups in the community, helping our drug and alcohol street teams, or delivering exciting workshops activities to our young people.

“Following the Covid 19 pandemic, we have also seen a change in the typical profile of those becoming volunteers,” says Caoimhe.

“Whereas the assumption would often be that volunteers would be retired, almost all of our volunteers are working, studying, have childcare commitments or even volunteer with other organisations or sports clubs. Many are working towards a new career or to learn new skills, and therefore the need for flexibility is more important than ever.

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 23

VOLUNTEERING “Volunteers have also been commenting on the quality of the training they have received from Extern’s award-winning Practice Development Unit, telling us how the courses not only enable them to carry out their role, but in many cases are also beneficial for their studies and future careers in social care.”

As well as the bespoke training courses which are delivered ‘live’, this year a number of online modules were also launched using the MS Sway platform. This allowed volunteers to complete a range

of courses in their own time, and to better meet their own commitments.

As the year drew to a close, the Extern Extras programme was looking forward to a bright and productive year ahead, with continued growth in volunteering in Extern Ireland, as well as the goal of working towards a prestigious Investors in Volunteering award and even a Volunteer’s Forum.

SAYING THANK YOU Dozens of our volunteers and Community Champions from across the organisation joined us for a special celebration event during the summer, as well as a Festive Favourites coffee morning for Christmas.

12

unique volunteer roles filled

The events were held not only as a way for us to thank those very special people who have been devoting their time and energy to our work, but to allow volunteers the opportunity to meet and share their stories and insights.

“I first heard about Extern from a friend who knew I was interested in a volunteering role. They told me about Extern and that they were looking for new volunteers to support people in the community, so I thought I’d give it a go. I'd never done volunteer work before, but I'd always been interested in giving something back to the community.

Volunteers from across our projects, including those working in Extern Ireland, travelled to the summer and Christmas events, where they shared their own very personal stories of volunteering, took part in games and activities and had the opportunity to meet the wider Extern family.

I applied and went through an interview and induction process, which included lots of support from Extern’s volunteering and training teams. As a Telephone Befriender I offer a friendly voice at the end of the phone for people who might be feeling isolated or lonely. I would chat to them about what they’re up to in their lives and how they are feeling, and if they might need any additional support with anything.

What I like most about volunteering with Extern is the support I'm given by my colleagues, particularly my supervisor. They make me feel so welcome, and it's so inclusive. I really feel like a part of the team.

What I love the most, though, is the satisfaction of knowing that I really am making a difference to someone in their lives.”

Cheryl Graham, Volunteer Telephone Befriender, Belfast

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 24

FUNDRAISING

A YEAR OF GIVING This was another busy year for our fundraising team as we witnessed the incredible generosity of the public in support of our locally-based projects.

Community fundraising featured strongly in much of the support we received throughout the year, with some truly poignant contributions of

funds and gifts from those whose lives have been impacted by issues such as mental health and addiction.

Among these were a donation of

£10,000 (left) from the family of young Co Antrim woman Lisa McAlister, who died tragically by suicide in 2020. The mother-of-two had been passionate about supporting the work of mental health charities, and the generous funding was used to provide new supports to tackle suicide and poor mental health among people living in the Cushendall and wider Glens area.

Meanwhile, the family of Larne man Ally McCrellis donated over £3,500 in his memory, following a fundraising dance and social evening which was held in the village of Carnlough. This was used to support our work in the East Antrim area, where we offer a number of community-based mental health and wellbeing services, including counselling, training and awarenessraising events.

24 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 25

FUNDRAISING

THE PERFECT MATCH Our corporate partnership with Ulster Rugby drew to a close during 2022-23, following three fantastic years of fundraising and community activity.

Janet Cullinan (left) from Moy Park with Jason Whatley and Hannah Paisley from the MUST Hostel and SAIL Project in Cookstown, whose projects benefitted from generous funding from the company this year

The annual family fun day in memory of Larne man Lee Barry also raised thousands of pounds for our services in the area. The event took place at Larne FC’s Inver Park ground in honour of the popular local DJ, who died through suicide in 2020 following a personal struggle with addiction and mental health issues.

Service users at our MUST hostel in Cookstown also benefitted through a fantastic donation from leading food company Moy Park to support residents with moving into independent accommodation.

The impact of trauma and addiction on mental health was also a central theme for a number of events held in September.

Businesswoman and therapist Vivian McKinnon hosted a special film screening at The MAC theatre in Belfast, charting the story of her traumatic childhood.

And Vivian was also among the guests at a special fundraising afternoon tea event at Belfast restaurant A Peculiar Tea. Chef Gemma Austin opened the doors to her popular establishment to help us raise over £3,000 for our mental health services.

As well as helping to raise more than £35,000 through direct fundraising activity, the partnership also highlighted Extern’s work in supporting people managing poor mental health, particularly among men.

The club’s support was particularly crucial in helping Extern to keep its fundraising and outreach activities in the public eye during the Coronavirus lockdowns, when many of those we support were facing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing due to social isolation and financial hardship brought on by the pandemic.

Players, staff and supporters of the club also went the extra mile in helping to organise a range of activities, including a special Drop the Mask campaign for Halloween, a Big Christmas Quiz and a very memorable day for our young people with a special prizegiving event for their Duke of Edinburgh awards at the Kingspan Stadium.

Other highlights of our community fundraising over the year included: - A donation of £5,000 from legal firm Allen & Overy for our Pathways alternative education project - A £10,000 donation from ESB Energy towards laptops for our Moving Forward, Moving On project - A busking event in Belfast city centre which raised an impressive £847 - Over £1,000 raised by John Lunn, who ran the London Marathon - Insurance firm AXA NI were also among those who supported our Winter Appeal with a hamper appeal and Christmas grotto

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 25

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 26

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Chair Aideen D’Arcy

Directors Allen McCartney Stephen Leach Shane McLaughlin Noreen Wright (appointed 13 October 2022) Brendan Johnston (retired 15 December 2022) Andrew McCloskey (retired 15 December 2022)

Company Secretary Ian McAvoy

Management Team Danny McQuillan, CEO (resigned 14 July 2022) Colin Hayburn, CEO (appointed 16 January 2023) Dr Gavin Adams, Director of Business Development (resigned 3 October 2022) Sharon Hearty, Director of Policy and Development (appointed 30 January 2023) Jonathan Carroll, Director of People and Organisational Development Pauline Flynn, Director of Finance and Corporate Services Leslie Ann Scott, Director of Services Deirdre O’Driscoll, Interim Director of Services RoI (appointed 12 September 2022) Neil McKittrick, Director of Services NI (appointed 6 February 2023)

Principal Bankers:

Bank of Ireland 4-8 High Street , Belfast BT1 2BA

Auditors: Moore NI Donegall House, 7 Donegall Square North Belfast BT1 5GB

Company Reg No: NI016083

HMRC Charity No. XN48714

26 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

Principal Solicitors: Worthingtons Solicitors 24-38 Gordon Street, Belfast BT1 2LG

Registered Office Hydepark House 3 McKinney Road, Newtownabbey BT36 4PE

Charity Commission No. NIC105869

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 27

EXTERN NI BOARD OF TRUSTEES Aideen D’Arcy MBE

Aideen was educated at Queen’s and the Ulster Universities. Aideen taught in the post-primary sector before embarking on a career in social housing for over 30 years, specialising in the provision of supported accommodation for vulnerable people.

Aideen served on the NI Regional Council of the Society of St Vincent de Paul for over 15 years and undertook several initiatives to improve standards of accommodation and service provision of the organisation's homeless facilities throughout Ireland.

Allen McCartney

Allen is by profession a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, with degree qualifications in both electrical engineering and corporate leadership. He had a distinguished career at Director level in Northern Ireland Electricity and Viridian Group and brings a wealth of experience from previous public sector board appointments in the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, the Department for Regional Development, and the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland. He is a Lay Magistrate and an Assessor for the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency.

Brendan Johnston MBE

Brendan is a social worker and has spent his career in statutory social work in Northern Ireland. He has had experience of many different roles in his career, working in all programmes of care, though mainly in the area of children’s services. In the late ‘90s he worked closely with Extern West, particularly with development of Killadeas, and later Roscor. Brendan was the first Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Social Care Council and was responsible for establishing the regulation of social care workers in Northern Ireland.

Ian McAvoy

Ian lives in Belfast and was educated at MCB and London University. After graduating in economics Ian studied accountancy.

After a spell in practice, he became the Finance Director of a leading Irish brand and was promoted to Chief Executive, holding that position for 16 years. He has much expertise in strategic planning, transformation, finance and marketing. Ian was Chair of PlayBoard, Vice Chair of Sport NI, Director of Sport NI, and is presently Vice Chair of Ark Housing. He holds the position of Chairman of Rugby at Queen's University, Belfast.

Andrew McCloskey

Andrew is a business professional with more than 20 years’ experience in global companies. He has worked in the procurement, IT, and planning departments specialising in the use of technologies to enhance business performance and holds a Master of Business Administration from Ulster University and a Law Degree from the Open University.

Stephen Leach

Stephen was educated at Cambridge University. He joined the Civil Service in 1975 and worked in the Northern Ireland Office and other Departments. In 1990/91 he spent a year in the USA as a Humphrey Fulbright Fellow. Subsequently he was involved in the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement and from 2000 to 2009 he was the Chair of the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Board. After retiring from the Civil Service in 2009, he was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Health and Social Care Board. He has also served as a Parole Commissioner and as the Northern Ireland Commissioner on the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Shane McLaughlin Shane is an Education Adviser for the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. Shane previously worked in Kabul, working with the Afghanistan government to improve learning outcomes for 70,000 girls. Shane has also worked for the UK’s Stabilisation Unit and the British Council working on multilateral policy and managing international education programs with UK and EU funding. Before joining the civil service, Shane was a secondary school teacher. Prior to teaching, he worked for the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust. More recently, he was the vice-chair on the board of governors for a Federation of Special Schools in London, where he volunteered between 2017-2020.

Noreen Wright Noreen is a lawyer by profession, having graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 1974 and been called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1976. She worked for Northern Ireland Electricity/Viridian PLC as a corporate lawyer, holding the position of Company Secretary and Head of Legal Services. Noreen has a wealth of experience in governance and compliance, and her previous board appointments include the Electricity Supply Board, Co-Operation Ireland, Springvale Training, and the Council of Ulster University. She has previously been a Commissioner with the Equality Commission, and is currently a Lay Magistrate, a Member of the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunal for Northern Ireland, and a Member of the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal.

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 27

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 28

EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND

Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an Income & Expenditure account) for the Year Ended 31 March, 2023

Health Trusts Housing Executive (incl Supporting People) Government Departments Other Income Total Income

2022/23 Total Expenditure £11.1m

2021/22 Total Income £12.4m

2022/23 Total Income £11.2m

2022-23 £M 4.5

2021-22 £M 4.9

4.1 1.6 1.0 11.2

4.0 1.8 1.7 12.4

2021/22 Total Expenditure £12.7m

2022-23 £M

2021-22 £M

Addictions Services

1.1

1.1

Education & Employability

0.7

1.4

Homelessness & Housing

4.3

4.1

Justice Services

0.2

1.4

Looked After Children

0.5

0.5

Mental Health Services

0.9

0.9

Minority Communities

1.0

0.5

Young People & Families

2.4

2.8

Total Income

11.1

12.7

Unrestricted £

Restricted £

Total Funds 2023 £

Total Funds 2022 £

Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable Activities Other trading activities Investments

101,567 5,009,677 63,561 147

5,990,467 -

101,567 11,000,144 63,561 147

72,892 12,297,544 57,171 37

Total Income and endowments

5,174,952

5,990,467

11,165,419

12,427,644

Expenditure on: Charitable Activities

(5,035,141)

(6,045,748)

(11,080,889)

(12,729,719)

Total Expenditure Other Recognised Gain/(Losses):

(5,035,141) 13,443

(6,045,748) -

(11,080,889) 13,443

(12,729,719) -

153,254

(55,281)

97,973

-

-

-

(601,879)

Net income/(expenditure) for the year after exceptional item & before transfers

153,254

(55,281)

97,973

(903,954)

Transfers between funds

(256,430)

256,430

-

-

Net movement in funds

(103,176)

201,149

97,973

(903,954)

Reconciliation of funds: Funds Brought Forward

5,719,109

395,763

6,114,872

7,018,826

Total Funds Carried Forward

5,615,933

596,912

6,212,845

6,114,872

Net income/(expenditure) for the year before exceptional item & transfers Exceptional Item

28 I EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

(302,075)

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:31 Page 29

WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING:

Beatrice Laing Trust Hospital Saturday Fund British Red Cross The Albert Hunt Trust Enkalon Trust NIHE Provider Innovation Fund CFNI/DOH Mental Health Support Fund Homeless Connect TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation

ESB Energy for Generations Moy Park Community Support Fund Allen & Overy Foundation Victoria Homes Trust SSE Renewables Community Fund Lisa McAlister Foundation Asda Foundation Brighter Futures Tesco Community Grants EXTERN NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23 I 29

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:32 Page 30

“I felt an immediate connection with my Extern worker. She gave me self-esteem at a time when I didn’t like myself very much.”

Service user, Intensive Support Fostering Scheme, Downpatrick

30 I EXTERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT // 2022-23

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:32 Page 31

“What makes it all worthwhile is just being able to be there for people when they are having a bad day… and even making them smile sometimes too.”

Ormeau Centre Team Member, Belfast

Extern NI - Annual report 2023.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2023 11:32 Page 32

Members of Extern's Refugee Support Teams

twitter.com/externcharity facebook.com/externcharity instagram.com/extern_charity/ Registered Office: Hydepark House, 3 McKinney Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4PE Tel: +44 (0) 28 90840555 Fax: +44 (0) 28 90847333

linkedin.com/company/externcharity

info@extern.org www.extern.org