Looking to the future with confidence has always been one of the strongest characteristics of the people within The Cedar Foundation. Even in challenging times we have a self-belief that we can make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities by being an enabling, supporting and caring organisation and by effective engagement with all stakeholders. The last number of years have been challenging; yet even in difficult times we continued to evolve, change and innovate, delivering effective services that have a positive impact on individuals and communities. Undoubtedly this has been a time of greater demand and fewer resources, however, we have continued to achieve so much because of the clear influence and direction of our User Forum, talented committed Staff and strong partnerships. I believe this review demonstrates the achievement of so much, despite the challenges that we faced.

It is therefore all the more important during such times that we take stock and plan for the future. Throughout 2011 we did just that, engaging with our Service Users and other stakeholders to listen to their views on how we should respond to greater need and an uncertain future. As a result, we have developed a new Strategy for 2012-2015 - “Building Better Futures”. The new Strategy and our work continue to be underpinned by the aspirations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to play a full and effective role in society.

Our Vision is “A society accessible to all”. We make our contribution to this through the delivery of exceptional services that support children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of community life.

The delivery of the Strategy will be through four key themes. We will:

�� Empower people with disabilities to be in control. �� Support individuals and families to build personal and family

resilience. �� Build the personal capacity of individuals to live, work and take part in

their communities. �� Continually improve and innovate to provide the best services.

These themes have allowed us to set objectives to support our work over the next three years. This will unquestionably be a testing time, however we have a continuing belief that with the support of our Service Users, a dedicated Staff team and strong leadership we will continue to deliver meaningful change that offers a better future for people with disabilities.

Peter Gay Chairman

Peter Gay and Myrna Evans from Cedar’s Executive Committee with the Transition Team, one of Cedar ‘s 2011 Chairman’s Prize Award Winners

Cedarchairman

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Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry MLA, Michael Walkingshaw (PwC), Kieran Harding (BITC), Colm O’Neill (BT) and

Stephen Mathews, Cedar’s Chief Executive at the Building on Talent celebration event

Introduction

2011-2012 was an unusual year in that it involved the extension of The Cedar Foundation’s Strategy, “Breaking down the Barriers” into a fourth year. This allowed time to go to wider consultation to facilitate the development of our new Strategy – “Building Better Futures”. As a result we believe the new Strategy underpins our Vision of “A society accessible to all”, through the delivery of exceptional services that support children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of community life.

The extensive consultation involved all stakeholders; workshops with Service Users via the User Forum, online polls via the Cedar website, Staff discussions and joint workshops with Executive Committee, meetings with planners, commissioners and feedback from partners. As a result we have a representative and robust Strategy that will underpin the work of Cedar for the three years from 2012 -2015. Thank you to everyone who made a contribution.

Looking back on the last year, we have continued to make a difference, building on our strengths and where possible improving and learning. During the year we continued to achieve exceptional outcomes across all service areas in line with our Vision. This report illustrates examples of Cedar’s impact, along with highlights and individual stories from Service Users and Volunteers that collectively demonstrate outstanding personal contribution and achievement.

Stephen Mathews Chief Executive

Cedarimpact

Training Services

�� We supported 502 people with disabilities through the successful delivery of year one of the new three year Vocational Rehabilitation & Employability Service funded under the Northern Ireland European Social Fund (ESF) Programme.

�� In Eastern and Northern areas of Training Services, 95% of completers from the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employability Service achieved a positive outcome, against a target of 90%, progressing to a broad range of employment, training and social outcomes.

�� We achieved the successful integration of the Active Futures Service into our vocational programme.

�� We achieved Service User satisfaction levels of between 97% and 99% across all quality dimensions.

�� We established the Supported Employment Solutions (SES) partnership to successfully tender for the regional contract for Workable (NI) and Work Connect.

Brain Injury Services

�� We supported 230 participants through our regional Floating Support Service.

�� 99% of those leaving Floating Support achieved a positive outcome.

�� 211 participants were supported in the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employability Service during the year.

�� 95% of people left having achieved their goals, including 66% leaving with a work or training outcome and 71% leaving with a new qualification.

�� We achieved above target levels (99%) of Service User satisfaction in all services.

Cedarimpact

Cedar Service User Daphne Wilson with Staff members Peter Wilson and Breeda Doherty at the ESF Exhibition in the Titanic Signature Building, Belfast

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Cedarhighlight

European Commission Director visits Cedar

Cedar had the opportunity to highlight some of our services which are financed by the European Social Fund to Mr Peter Stub Jorgensen, DG Employment Director at the European Commission.

Mr Stub Jorgensen took time out in advance of the ESF exhibition in the Titanic Signature Building to visit two Northern Ireland charities, one of which was Cedar.

At our Balmoral Training and Resource Centre in South Belfast, Mr Stub Jorgensen met with Cedar Staff who gave an overview of our Transition, Brain Injury, and Vocational Rehabilitation & Employability Services. In addition, Service Users shared their own experiences and explained how Cedar has positively impacted on their lives.

David Doherty spoke about the support he received from our Transition Service in moving from school to college. David has a keen interest in sport and through Cedar undertook work experience at the Irish Football

Association. Cedar supported David to attend college open days and met with course tutors and learning support. David shared his enjoyment in his sport studies course at South Eastern Regional College.

Paula Moreland-McCormick told the Commission Director about how Cedar supported her through her Open University degree in Health and Social Welfare and in attending an evening course at college in Teaching and Learning Support in Schools. Paula said she had achieved her dream of working with children with disabilities, through a

classroom support placement at Fleming Fulton School.

Stephen Mathews (Cedar Chief Exec) said, “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to welcome Mr Stub Jorgensen to Cedar and to be able to showcase our work to the decision makers in the European Social Fund. Everything Cedar does is person centred and we believe that our Service Users are our best spokespeople as was proved today. Thank you to those who shared their stories.”

Peter Stub Jorgensen, DG Employment Director at the European Commission visits our Training and Resource Centre at Balmoral

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Cedarand me

Adam Henderson

Hi my name is Adam Henderson from Ballymoney. I first came into contact with Cedar’s Active Futures Programme when I was studying for my NVQ 2 in Catering at the Northern Regional College. I was having some difficulties because of my Epilepsy and Hydrocephalus, I was suffering from fatigue and was finding it hard to keep up with the course.

Jayne from Active Futures contacted the Learning Support Coordinator and my tutor at the college and a plan of action was put in place so I could continue with my studies. Jayne continued to liaise with the tutors to ensure that I was managing OK. It was great knowing I had that support behind me. I then went on to achieve my NVQ 3 in Catering.

Through Active Futures I had the opportunity to gain work experience in catering. I secured a summer placement at the Best Western Whitehorse Hotel in the Foyle area. It was great to work in a catering environment and my manager at the hotel was pleased with my work and how well I got on as part of a team.

My second work placement was with Café Cinnamon in Coleraine. I really enjoyed this and my manager was very impressed with my work, attitude, commitment and how I mixed in with other colleagues.

With the work experience behind me Jayne helped me to search for jobs and with interview preparation. She guided me and helped me understand how to best explain my skills and abilities. Soon after I got a job working in ASDA Coleraine as a Catering Assistant. I really enjoy

working in the café and dealing with the customers.

I can honestly say that if Cedar hadn’t stepped in when they did I don’t think I would have continued with my studies in Catering. I then wouldn’t have been able to go on to do the work placements or secure employment. I’d like to thank Jayne for guiding me and my family in the right direction and for supporting me to achieve my goal of obtaining work which has allowed me to now live independently.

Adam Henderson at work in the café at ASDA Coleraine

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Cedarvolunteer

Alan Maxwell

Hi my name is Alan and I volunteer for Cedar two days a week at the organisation’s Training and Resource Centre in Ballymena.

I previously worked as a British Airways Duty Manager for 33 years before taking early retirement in 2010 to look after my son. Having had plenty of experience working with people and computers I wanted to do something constructive with my newly found spare time. I became involved with Cedar through Volunteer Now just over a year ago. Every week I spend five hours at Cedar in Ballymena and I absolutely love it.

On Tuesdays I provide hands on Information Technology support to five Cedar Service Users who have visual impairments. The Ballymena I.T. suite is kitted out with assistive technology, enabling people with disabilities to access computers and the internet. The class are trained in the use of JAWS, a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen with a text-to-speech output though a headset. I’ve enjoyed getting to know these individuals and watch them grow in their skills and confidence.

On Fridays I provide admin support to the Brain Injury Team such as organising transport for the clients.

I highly recommend Cedar as a place to volunteer, I find the whole experience incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. I feel proud to be part of an organisation which opens doors for so many people. Alan providing I.T. support to Josie at Cedar’s Training and Resource

Centre in Ballymena

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Cedarhighlight

Brain Injury Awareness Week

To mark Brain Injury Awareness Week in May 2011, Cedar launched “What’s on Your Mind?”, a collection of Service Users' own stories describing through poetry, art, photography and prose what it’s like to live with a Brain Injury.

“What’s on Your Mind?” is an honest and clear illustration that many people who have experienced Brain Injury will be able to relate to. It also raised much needed awareness of the challenges people with a Brain Injury face on a daily basis. “What’s on Your Mind?” is available in a downloadable format by visiting www.cedar-foundation.org/bia

During Brain Injury Awareness Week, 35 Service Users were supported to access “My Cedar”, a secure part of Cedar’s website where Service Users across Northern Ireland can log in and interact with each other. By having a live discussion and posting comments and experiences of living with Brain Injury, people can continue to say “what’s on their mind”, targeting the isolation that many people with a Brain Injury may face.

Among the Service Users accessing My Cedar were Gary Marr and Jimmy Uprichard. Gary said, “Today was my first time using 'My Cedar' and I posted on a discussion forum how Cedar has helped me. It is a really good way to communicate with others in a similar situation as myself and I hope to get a lot out of it in the future.” Jimmy added “Since I joined Cedar I have been learning how to use the computer. The MyCedar facility is a new challenge for me and I look forward to

seeing what other people on MyCedar have to say.”

Elaine Armstrong, Cedar’s Head of Brain Injury Services added, “During Brain Injury Awareness Week we have given people the opportunity to share their stories of living with Brain Injury and how they deal with the challenges this brings on a daily basis. We know that they will bring inspiration to those who read their stories.”

Service User Jimmy Uprichard logs into My Cedar during Brain Injury Awareness Week

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Cedarand me

Ann McGinley

Hi I’m Ann McGinley from Armagh and I have Cerebral Palsy. I came onto Cedar’s Floating Support Programme in June 2011. I didn’t have much confidence in myself and wouldn’t have gone out on my own. Julie from Floating Support has helped me to become more independent in and outside of the home. I have learned to cook different meals and arrange my own door to door transport.

I always wanted to improve my English, Maths and I.T. skills but wasn’t quite sure how to go about this and didn't have the confidence to do it. Julie supported me to meet with the tutor at the Southern Regional College and then I decided to enrol to do a Maths, English and I.T. course. I have completed my Level 1 and am now working towards my Level 2.

Floating Support helped me to secure a work placement with a local nursing home, helping me to fill out my application form and Access NI check. I now work there one and a half days per week in the dementia unit doing activities such as bingo and I really enjoy talking to the residents.

I am involved with Southern Trust Fit4U project and have taken part in activities such as horse riding, gliding and boccia and was voted Vice Chairperson of the Armagh group.

I feel that I have achieved a lot in the last few years and my confidence has grown immensely. I am really grateful to Cedar because now I am able to manage my own life. � Ann making lunch in her kitchen

Children and Young People’s Services

�� 204 Service Users accessed our Transition Services, with 95% entering mainstream community provision of their choice.

�� The Transition Team facilitated OCN Accredited Training Programmes, a total of 27 young people aged 14+ achieved OCN accreditation at either Entry Levels 1 to 3.

�� We completed a Big Lottery funded, three year project that established a model service called Inreach, for children with complex healthcare needs and secured transitional funding from the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.

�� The Inreach evaluation report by Dr Roy McConkey was published in June 2011 and concluded; “The Inreach Service is a welcome and unique addition to the supports available to families who have children with very complex needs.”

�� We developed new services for adults

and children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across Belfast and Western H&SC Trust areas.

�� Customer satisfaction rates remained high with 96% of parents and young people indicating satisfied and above with 92% very satisfied (an increase of 15% from 2010-2011).

Living Options

�� High levels of satisfaction continued to be achieved in all areas with 76% of Service Users expressing very satisfied across Living Options Services.

�� We achieved full compliance with all regulatory standards set by the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority.

�� All Staff completed mandatory training and in addition Active Support training was rolled out to Staff, to ensure that Service Users have every opportunity to participate in everyday activities.

�� Three Managers worked towards their completion of the QCF Level 5 Diploma.

�� We restructured to develop a new Practice Leader role to enhance the quality of care and support in all service areas.

Cedar Staff and Service Users at Craigavon Watersport Centre during their Summer Scheme

Cedarimpact

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Cedarhighlight

Health Minister Edwin Poots MLA launches his new Strategy at Cedar event

In recognition of the input from Cedar Service Users and Eileen Thomson, Cedar’s Deputy Chief Executive, in the formation of the Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015, Health Minister Edwin Poots MLA chose to launch it at a Cedar celebration event held in Lisburn.

This Strategy is aimed at delivering improved outcomes, services and support for people who have a physical, sensory or communication disability.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said, “This Strategy and Action Plan sets out a framework for the development of services to people with physical or sensory disabilities in Northern Ireland for the next three years.”

“I believe that it represents an important opportunity for all of us, working together, to improve the way services and support for

disabled people, both adults and children, are planned and delivered.”

Stephen Mathews (Cedar Chief Exec) added, “We are delighted that our Service Users have been involved in the consultation process for this Strategy and we welcome its launch at our Celebrating Achievement event.”

“This forward looking Strategy will support the modernisation of services for people with disabilities. It will ensure there is a focus on partnership and community inclusion to deliver more effective person-centred services.”

The Minister concluded, "This Strategy recognises the pivotal place that families and carers have in improving life opportunities and in supporting those with a disability to live as independently as is possible."

“I believe that we can build on the good work that is already being done across Northern Ireland by the statutory and voluntary sectors and deliver further improvements in services for disabled people in our communities.”

“I congratulate you all, it is clear to me that The Cedar Foundation does exactly what it says on the tin.”

Edwin Poots MLA and Service Users Joe Bourke, Ciara Denvir, Kerry Hawkins and David Doherty, the Speakers at Cedar’s Celebration event

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Cedarand me

Ciara Denvir

Hi my name is Ciara Denvir. When I was 15 I was knocked down in a hit and run. I sustained a fractured skull, loss of memory, permanent deafness (left ear) and other physical injuries. Most of my disabilities were hidden and it didn’t help that I kept smiling and saying everything was fine. I was keen to regain my independence and wanted to be able to do the things my friends were doing. I didn’t want to be different.

My teacher put me in touch with Cedar and I then met Michelle from the Transitions programme, we got on great from the very start. She explained that Transitions was about helping young people decide on their futures after leaving school. Michelle helped me cope when I couldn’t continue in my chosen career path of the police because of my unilateral hearing. Together we explored different career paths, at one stage I had 12 choices, and Michelle supported me through my interview for St Mary’s Teacher Training, brought me to visit the disability advisors in Queen’s and the University of Ulster, and helped me to complete various forms. I still found things difficult but felt safer when Michelle was there.

Even though I achieved my 3 A levels, I did not get the grades I needed to go to university to do Heath and Social Care. I was in Florida when I got my results but by the time I got home Michelle had arranged for me to meet with Belfast and Lisburn colleges. I’m now at the South Eastern Regional College studying towards an HND in Social Care which I’m really enjoying although it has been challenging.

Michelle helped me to achieve my short term goals and she helped me to make the right decisions and not to give up. I got to share my experiences at a Cedar event in February and I am really thankful for everything Cedar has done for me.

Ciara speaking at Cedar’s Celebration event where Edwin Poots MLA launched the new Disability Strategy

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Cedarhighlight

Cedar Welcomes Karuna

Karuna, which provides high quality residential care and support for nine adults who have complex learning and physical disabilities in Carrickfergus, has merged with Cedar.

Karuna was established in 1999 by a board of managing trustees to provide support to their children in the absence of any suitable provision. The Trustees managed Karuna to an exceptionally high standard, however facing the increasingly challenging regulatory environment and knowing the importance of ensuring the long term sustainability of Karuna to meet the needs of current and future residents, they approached Cedar.

Following a period of Staff and stakeholder engagement, legal, financial and HR due diligence and Trustee agreement a communication strategy was developed and delivered and Karuna officially joined Cedar on 1st April 2012.

A special event with the Residents, their families and Staff was held in Karuna to mark the coming together of the two organisations.

Speaking at the event Stephen Mathews (Cedar Chief Exec) said, “We have been providing high quality services to people with disabilities for over 70 years across Northern Ireland and today I am delighted to welcome Karuna’s Residents and Staff into the Cedar family.”

Heather Wright, Manager of Karuna added, "Having operated for twelve years as an independent charity we are excited to join

The Cedar Foundation.”

“As we move forward together, Karuna's ethos of 'Caring with Compassion’ coupled with Cedar’s commitment to empowering adults with learning disabilities will put us at the heart of driving change, improving standards and raising awareness across the wider community."

Karuna Residents Ella Walker and David Wells celebrate joining Cedar with Karuna Staff

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Cedarand me

Geraldine Johnston

Hi my name is Geraldine Johnston and I live in Ardkeen in South Belfast which is one of Cedar’s Supported Living projects.

I have my own apartment which is great because I like my own space, I think that’s very important but the Staff are on hand 24 hours a day if you need their help. My apartment has a bedroom with an en suite, living room, kitchen and patio area out the back. I recently gave the whole place a makeover with a new colour scheme which I just love. I can do so much by myself here as there is a button for everything, I can open doors and windows, blinds and operate lights. I do my own shopping and clean my home every weekend. The Staff help me out with things like cooking, vacuuming and mopping the floor and reaching up to get things out of high cupboards.

There are nine other Tenants here. The beauty of Ardkeen is that you’re not on top of each other, you’ve the best of both worlds. If you want time on your own you have the space to do that but if you want to spend time with other people you can go to the Common Room or

Garden. I’m very happy living here, the Staff are all very helpful and nice.

I’ve been involved with Cedar’s User Forum for 5 years and we have meetings once a month. The Forum allows Cedar’s Service Users to have a voice in the running of Cedar and put forward suggestions where improvements can be made. We also invite speakers from other organisations to come and offer advice for

example on First Aid or the Digital Switchover.

I’ve made some very good friends on the Forum and in particular enjoyed a trip to the Lake District where I got to go horse riding, canoeing and abseiling. I loved the challenge of taking on things that other people get to do, the only difference being that I just do it in a different way. Overall I’ve found Cedar to be a very good organisation to be a part of.

Geraldine Johnston in her Ardkeen apartment

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Cedarvolunteer

Emma Bell

Hi I’m Emma, I’m 19 years old and from Greenisland. Every Wednesday I take a two hour wheelchair dancing and music class at Karuna, Cedar’s residential home in Carrickfergus. I began the class with the Residents two years ago when I was 17 and still at school. I have a family connection to Karuna as Davy, who has been a Karuna Resident since 2001, is my mum’s cousin.

I begin the class by doing warm up exercises with the group and then the fun part, the wheelchair dancing begins! The Residents really enjoy the movement and ABBA and Charlie Landsborough are among the favourite CDs we listen to. Sometimes we put on more relaxing instrumental music.

It’s great to see the Residents get so much enjoyment out of the class. I also do a bit of jewellery making before helping with supper and getting the Residents ready for bed.

I’m now in the second year of my Early Childhood Studies degree at Stranmillis University. I want to go on to do a Post Graduate Certificate of Education with a view to becoming a Special Needs Teacher so I have really benefitted from my time at Karuna, gaining experience in working with people with learning disabilities. I have got to know the Residents and Staff really well and I enjoy getting to spend time with them all.

My father and I both attended the welcome to Cedar event at Karuna, where we got to learn about the range of work Cedar is involved with throughout Northern Ireland and we enjoyed meeting the Cedar Staff who were there.

Emma Wheelchair Dancing with Karuna Resident Sylvia Montgomery

Social and Community Networking

�� We created a new service area by merging ConneXions, Community Inclusion and MyCedar Networks to form Social and Community Networking.

�� Community Inclusion Programmes launched the pilot OCN Peer Support Project in October 2011.

�� We were actively engaged in the strategic review of services in partnership with the South Eastern H&SC Trust with the aim of modernising day services in the Trust locality.

�� The ConneXions Project published its first action-research report in November 2011 with the aim of reviewing the current literature on the subject, conducting focus groups with participants and identifying the key barriers to social inclusion.

User Forum

�� The User Forum continued to lead user involvement in Cedar, playing a central role in informing and influencing policy

and practice within the organisation and with other stakeholders. Throughout the year the forum continued to develop its regional representation, through the creation of new groups.

Key activities included: �� Input to Cedar’s new Strategy “Building

Better Futures”.

�� Participating in Staff recruitment and selection.

�� Representation through various statutory fora and consultations.

�� Input to the Annual Conference & General Meeting.

�� Implementation of a forum capacity building programme.

Cedarimpact

Mark Allen of the Ballymena User Forum discussing Cedar’s Strategy with Anne Straghan, Shauna Smyth and Claire Ward

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Cedarhighlight

ConneXions Research Published

Cedar’s ConneXions cross-border project is run in partnership with National Learning Network (Ireland) and is funded through Interreg IVA. ConneXions supports the development of social networks in the Newry, Dundalk, L/Derry and Letterkenny areas to increase the social inclusion of people with disabilities in their local community by maximising the role of peer support.

A key element of the ConneXions project is to undertake action-based research that will increase understanding of the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from engaging with their local community and to offer recommendations on how these barriers may be reduced. Three research reports will be produced during the lifetime of the project, the first of which was published by Cedar in November 2011.

The first report was based on a review of the current literature on the subject matter and was backed up by conducting focus groups with participants. The key barriers identified were: lack of social opportunities in the local

communities, low self-confidence of participants, lack of consultation with disabled people when planning and developing services, inconsistent cross-border transport provision and a lack of information on the services that are available within local communities.

Joanne Barnes, Acting Head of ConneXions said, “The findings of our research and our

recommendations are relevant in Northern Ireland and in the Republic. These will be disseminated and presented to public commissoners and service providers on a cross-border basis to help inform the development of services that better meet the needs of disabled people and that will support their full participation in the community.”

Members of the Newry/Dundalk ConneXions group with the first ConneXions report

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Cedarand me

Daphne Wilson

My name is Daphne Wilson. I acquired a brain aneurism three years ago. I was in a coma for two weeks and when I regained consciousness I discovered that I had severe memory loss, I didn’t even recognise my four children. Over time I have regained parts of my memory and with the support of Cedar’s Brain Injury team I learned strategies to help my brain recover.

It was through my existing involvement with Cedar, that I joined the ConneXions project and became part of the Foyle group. I enjoy meeting up with other members and going to bowls, cinema, lunches, day trips to places of interest, such as Glenveagh Castle. I thoroughly enjoy going on day trips when we can all chat on the bus, share stories and have a bit of fun. Often we meet up with the Letterkenny ConneXions group and play bowls and have lunch together.

Through ConneXions I have also attended training courses: capacity training, training for planning activities, health and safety training and disability awareness training. These courses have helped me understand and be

more aware of other people’s disabilities. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the activities to date and have met such inspirational people that I know I am never alone. Everyone in ConneXions shows empathy to each other.

I was asked by Cedar to speak at the official launch of ConneXions in the North West in June 2011. I found the experience of sharing my story very empowering and I hope that hearing my story has helped other people. I had written all my thoughts on the ConneXions project in a poem, which I read out to the

audience at the launch.

I think ConneXions is great! I know I am not alone now. I can take part in new activities that I wouldn’t have thought of doing before and I have made some very good friends. I have got to know inspirational people and share experiences. I know the ConneXions team is always there to guide me. I have developed skills in planning and helping to organise activities and have also been given the opportunity to help others and ‘look out’ for them. �

Daphne Wilson with Alan Leslie and Stephen McCrossan from the Foyle ConneXions group

In Conclusion

Cedar continued to meet all of its objectives in delivering a range of quality services that delivered effective outcomes for people with disabilities and their families. We continue to play an important role in influencing the wider policy framework that impacts upon the lives of people with disabilities across Northern Ireland.

The financial outlook continues to remain challenging with planned and actual reduction in public expenditure that will impact on many aspects of the work that we do. In addition the planned benefits reform is a cause of concern. As a result we have commissioned the NI Law Centre to assess the potential impact of the reforms on those who use our services. We are concerned that planned changes will undermine the rights of individuals and families to the support they need to play an active role in their community as equal citizens. In such a climate it is more important than ever that we continue to advocate for positive change and aim to "Build a Better Future", ensuring that people with disabilities can achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Cedarimpact

Cedar Volunteer Melissa Tumilty with Caoimhe Murphy who uses Cedar’s Outlook and Youth Matters Services

Undoubtedly 2011-2012 was one of the more challenging years that The Cedar Foundation has faced in recent times. As I reported last year we had to adjust to a 25% reduction in the level of resources from the European Social Fund, a key funder of our Vocational Rehabilitation & Employability Service. Despite this, as can be seen from this review, we have continued to deliver an extraordinary set of results against one of the most difficult financial environments in recent times. It is particularly encouraging that we now look to the future to deliver our new Strategy, “Building Better Futures”. All our financial activities were in line with the new Strategy and our future plans will support our commitment to provide exceptional services.

Effective risk management is perhaps more important than ever. During the year we commissioned a report on how we manage risk and control in Cedar. This resulted in risk assessment training for Senior Managers and a revision in the way we report risks and internal controls. We recruited new members onto the Finance and General Purposes Committee with the requisite level of expertise to provide oversight to this process. This continues to build on the prudent approach to the management of resources, established in recent years.

During the year Cedar secured £6,253,922 of incoming resources to support a range of services, a 4% decrease against the previous year’s figure of £6,505,988. This reflected reduced income from ESF, though we sustained high levels of activity in those areas supported by the Fund. Notably, we secured additional income from the Supporting People Programme with support from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. This resourced the continued expansion of a regional Floating Support Service. Total expenditure on all our services was £6,090,557, a 4% decrease compared to £6,337,713 for 2011.

Net incoming resources decreased marginally to £163,365 from £168,275 in 2011. This reflected robust budget control, efficiency savings, positive cash flow and improved return on investment income, which increased from £73,532 to £85,775.

Planning for the Future

We live in a fast changing world of greater need, limited resources and changing expectations. It is all the more important that we continue to work in partnership to ensure that the collective resources available to us are applied to support individuals and families who rely on our work.

I would like to record my thanks to my fellow members of Cedar’s Executive Committee and to Cedar’s Senior Management Team for their professionalism, dedication and commitment over the last year. We will continue to work collectively, ensuring the resources made available to us are effectively applied to deliver an enabling, supportive and caring organisation.

Brian McGuire ACCA Honorary Treasurer

Cedartreasurer

Team RADiCAL who raised over £10,000 for Cedar, at the NICS Live event with First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA

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Financial Summary Year Ended31 March 2012

Fees & Contract Income EU Funding Statutory bodies Fundraising & Donations Investment income Sundry income

INCOMEFees & contract income EU Funding Health Boards & Health & Social Care Trusts NIHE Supporting People D E L DHSSPS The Big Lottery Youth Council DENI – Early Years Building Change Trust Other grants Fundraising & donations Investment income Sundry income

TOTAL

EXPENDITURELiving Options Training & Brain Injury Services Children & Young People’s Services Training initiatives Floating Support Programme Fundraising costs Governance costs

Net appropriations to designated reserves Surplus for the year

TOTAL

Summary Balance Sheet At 31 March 2012

Fixed Assets

Current Assets

Current Liabilities

Net Current Assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Capital & Reserves Restricted

Unrestricted

Total Capital & Reserves

2011£

1,261,453……….

3,878,818

(579,804

………. 3,299,014

………. 4,560,467

======

338,501

4,221,966

………. 4,560,467

======

2012£

1,208,621……….

4,520,586

(993,747

………. 3,526,839

………. 4,735,460

======

362,921

4,372,539

………. 4,735,460

======

(£)2,017,989 1,241,051

1,555,356 693,963 242,050�54,424�

133,754�20,00012,103 18,990 16,947 70,336 85,775 91,184

————- 6,253,922 ========

(£)1,983,328 1,962,180

939,239

504,911 587,164 80,940 32,795

————- 6,090,557

121,433 41,932

————- 6,253,922 ========

)�)�

32.6% 32.2% 15.4% 8.3% 9.7% 1.3% 0.5%

Living Options Training & Brain Injury Services Children & Young People’s ServicesTraining initiatives Floating Support Programme Fundraising & Marketing Governance

32.3% 19.8% 43.9% 1.1% 1.4% 1.5%����

Summary Income & Expenditure Account

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Head Office

Malcolm Sinclair House, 31 Ulsterville Avenue, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT9 7AS, Northern Ireland

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr P Gay (Chairman)Dr L Calderwood (Vice Chairman) Mr B McGuire (Honorary Treasurer) Mr D C C Duly OBE Mrs M Evans Mr C Henderson - Retired October 2011 Dr N Hill OBE Mr M Howell Dr J McCann Ms M Lavery Mrs S Kennedy-Andrews Mr Michael Williamson - Co-opted Dec 2011 Prof Maurice Mulvenna - Co-opted Dec 2011

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mr Stephen Mathews OBE

AUDITORSCrawford Sedgwick & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 38 Hill Street BelfastCo Antrim BT1 2LB

This project is part financed by the European Social Fund and

the Department for Employment and Learning.

A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in Northern Ireland No 2132. HMRC Charity No XN47377

www.cedar-foundation.org