grow in ireland annual report 2012

You alone can do it,but you can’t do it alone©

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

My first dealings with depression began very slowly and gradually when I was in transition year of school. In “T Y”, while everyone

was growing in conf idence and making new friends, I was becoming more introverted and had very low self-esteem. As an

outsider looking in, you would never suspect or believe anything was wrong with me. By the time I was in 5th year, I had no

friends inside or outside school. I just wanted to be in the safety of my own home with my parents. I had a constant sick feeling

in my stomach, had no appetite and was slowly losing weight.

I felt so alone and scared. My parents believed it was due to school.

I used to overcome how I was feeling by studying all the time.

I remember as if it was only yesterday, lying on my bed at night

wishing that there were some way out. I just wanted to die. I got so

used to feeling this way that I thought it was normal and it would

be like this forever.

What f inally led my parents bringing me to the GP was when I was

doing a beautician course after my Leaving Cert. It was here my

depression was at its worst. I began being bullied by 2 people in the

class. They were both mature women in their 30’s and 40’s. They

were psychologically bullying me by excluding me from the class and

making up stories about me. I was once again isolated and without

a friend. I remember falling down crying in a corner of my bedroom

and thinking of ways I could end my life. I began self-harming and lost loads of weight. I was hardly eating. I was only 6 stone,

which was very little considering I am 5ft 6in. The worst thing was the principal and teachers of the college knew about what

was happening but did nothing to help.

My parents brought me to the GP who prescribed me anti-depressants and referred me to a psychiatrist in a Dublin hospital. My

appointment to see the psychiatrist wasn’t for a few months. I continued at college even though it was a big struggle for me as

my mood was still very low and I had little energy or interest in life. I felt very guilty about the impact the depression was having

on my family. I eventually saw the psychiatrist who adjusted the medication and this lifted the depression.

Even though my depression was lifted, I believed that medication alone was not good enough in the recovery of depression. I

believed that a combination of therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and programmes that build on your conf idence

and self-esteem were needed. However, waiting lists were so over-crowded, that there was little chance of me receiving this help.

It was as a result of this that I was determined to f ind the help myself. I began looking on the Internet and found GROW

Mental Health. GROW has played and is playing a major role in my recovery from depression.

Before attending GROW meetings, I wanted to be better instantly. Now, I know that you can’t put a time on recovery and that

sometimes you have to be a bit self ish and love yourself a bit more.

I used to isolate myself and believed I was completely worthless but now I actually put what my psychologist says into practice.

I would never go into a group of people but I am now willing to take risks.

Just belonging to a group and being accepted by a group means more to me than you can ever imagine. Listening to people who

have simila r stories to me, gives me strength and conf idence.

Mary’s Story of depression

Mary’s Tips• I have learned that depression is unique to

everyone and that everyone deals with it

differently - but nobody can do it alone.

• I would advise to keep f ighting on the road to

your recovery - “no one is a no-hoper.”

• “If the rough road gets you there and the smooth

one doesn’t, which are you going to choose?”

0302

contents

02 Con Keogh Visionary of our

times 1921 - 2011

06 The GROW Emblem and the

Movement

07 Pauls’ Story of Hope and

Recovery

08 Directors’ Report

10 Chairperson’s Report

12 Chief Executive Report

22 Treasurer’s Report

23 Human Resource

Management Report

26 Regional Reports

40 Directors and Other

Information

41 Directors’ Report

42 Statement of Directors’

Responsibilities

43 Independent Auditors’

Report to the Members

44 Income and Expenditure

Account

45 Balance Sheet

46 Cash Flow Statement

47Notes to the Financial

Statements Including

Statement of Accounting

Policies

54 Supplementary Information

0504

In November 2011 we lost our founder

and the man whose suffering, insight,

intellect, drive and energy led to the

formation of this organisation. F ther C n Keogh

THANK

YOU

0706

Con Keogh Visionary

of our times 1921 - 2011� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

ORIGINS

Con Keogh was born on 13 July 1921 in Maldon, Victoria and at

age 18 entered the Springwood seminary.

After only 18 months he was selected to continue his studies in

Rome, where he was ordained. He studied in Belgium receiving

a Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Louvain.

He returned home in 1951, after 11 years away, and became

Professor of Philosophy at Springwood. He also taught at the

Manly Seminary. His mental breakdown came in 1954 and

incapacitated for work as a priest for almost a year.

During his hospitalisation, he endured regular shock treatment

with no anaesthesia, which he said left him � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ! � ! � � � � � � � � � " � � # � � $� " � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ! � � � � � $ � % � � " � & 'Following his discharge from hospital, he sought help and

rehabilitation, but at that time there was incredible stigma

around mental illness and community services that focused on

recovery from mental illness were non - existent.

He found help by attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings,

though not an alcoholic himself. Along with a small number

of others whom he met at these meetings, the idea was born

recovery from mental illness.

The wisdom they gained in helping each other to overcome

life’s challenges and recover from mental illness was carefully

recorded and forms the basis of the unique Grow program. The

model they developed was exceptionally innovative, supporting

personal power, control and self-determination of people with a

mental illness at a time when the notion of recovery from mental

illness was shunned.

Grow continues to be a member driven organisation with

members of the program involved in all facets of Governance,

from Regional Teams, to National Program Team and up to our

National Board.

Con remained a prominent leader of Grow in Australia and

advocated for people with mental illness for over 40 years. He

was instrumental in taking Grow’s Program to the USA, New

Zealand and Ireland.

In 2004, Con was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia

for service to the community through Grow, here and overseas.

The Grow philosophy is strong on people taking their share of

responsibility for their downward spiral and also for their own

personal growth.

GROW came to Ireland in 1969 through Sean O’Hanlon a priest

who had returned from Missionary work in Tasmania and began

in the small parish of Athea, Co. Limerick. Today, GROW has

over 130 community groups, Young Adult Groups, prisons and

Central Mental Hospital.

“Friendship just lifts

the burden off people,

Through friendships

you are socialised and

re-integrated into society”.

0908

AA. The Hebrew word for Joseph means “to cause to GROW”.

For this reason the word has a special place in the hearts of its

members.� � � � � � � � � � � � � �as it developed over the years from a struggling little band

of ex-mental patients into a world-wide community mental

health movement.

said Con. ( ) * + , - . * THE GROW PROGRAM

Grow members, come together on a weekly basis to participate

in an organised program that lasts around two hours and

is followed by refreshments. Groups vary in size from 3-10

members, and are facilitated by Area Co-ordinators’ or by

seasoned ‘Growers’ who have taken a voluntary leadership role

within the Group.

Meetings are structured so you always know what to expect.

At each meeting, Grow members have an opportunity to share

their current life challenges, if they wish. Some members, or

Group members develop solutions to shared challenges,

together, based on collective experience and Program

understanding. One of the key features of the Grow Program

is the development of support and friendships for each other

outside of meetings. As well as supporting each other through

socially and meet new friends.

Participation in Grow meetings is free. There are no

assessments, no need for a diagnosis or other strict eligibility

criteria. The only exception is recognition of challenges that are

impacting negatively in your life and a commitment to work on

overcoming these challenges.

The GROW Emblem and the Movement

What makes Grow so special is the practical advice and the wisdoms that

are discussed from literature that has been written by Growers, which has

proven to be of enormous benefit, and can assist with keeping ‘Growers’

on track with their road to recovery.

08

My story is about the effects that recreational drugs had on my mental health. I always thought that a drug problem meant

that you had to be addicted to drugs. I never had any addiction, but socia l drug use really had a negative effect on me. That’s

why I think it’s important to tell my story to others.

After secondary school I got a place studying science at university. At this time I began to smoke cannabis socia lly with my

friends and classmates. All my friends were smoking it and it didn’t seem to have any negative effect on them. I also used to

go clubbing and took Ecstasy and Speed a few times. I didn’t think there was a problem.

However, over time, smoking cannabis began to make me feel very

uncomfortable and out of place. I began thinking that my friends

were talking about me behind my back. It wasn’t long before I

started to have panic attacks at college. Soon going to college

became something that I dreaded.

Stupidly I continued smoking as I didn’t want my friends to think

that there was anything wrong with me but this only made things

worse. The more I smoked, the more uncomfortable I got, and the

more uncomfortable I got, the more I would go in on myself and

isolate myself from reality. I spent less time interacting with other

people unless it was absolutely necessary.

I dreaded having to leave the house everyday as I felt very self

conscious in public. I felt like my mind was going a million miles

an hour. I didn’t mingle with my classmates for more than a few

minutes at a time and would spend my lunchtimes locked in the

toilets as I was petrif ied of having to interact with people.

Eventually it got too much for me and I had a breakdown. I went to the doctor and was admitted to hospital as soon as my

exams were over. I spent about 6 weeks in hospital. In a way it was good because I needed a break from everything. I was put on

antidepressants which helped a great deal. For the f irst time in a long time my mind cleared up a bit.

However my time spent trying to f ight my symptoms had taken its toll on me. It seemed as if I had run out of energy and

my will to get on with life was very low. I had a lack of conf idence in my ability to make decisions. I stopped thinking positively

about my future as I felt that my symptoms would be always with me no matter what I tried to do. I felt lonely and depressed.

I constantly had suicidal thoughts. It was very tough at the time.

One day I picked up a leaf let about a local GROW Mental Health support group. I instantly became determined to go to a

meeting as I knew I needed to gain some control of my mental health. I have to say I felt very nervous in the f irst few meetings

as I was among people I did not know and I felt quite panicky. However, I knew that I didn’t have to put up a front about my

problems anymore and that I could be open and honest about my mental health problems without being ridiculed. I attend the

support meetings every week and I feel like I have totally recovered from my breakdown.

Paul’s Tips• Y ou don’t have to be addicted to drugs or drink

for it to be a problem….. If it gives you negative

side- effects then it is already a problem

• Don’t feel under pressure to take drugs.

If you feel uncomfortable, it’s ok to say no

• Do talk to someone you can trust if you feel

anxious, distressed or suicidal

• It’s ok to talk to a G.P. or Counselor. Y ou’d be

surprised how understanding they can be

Paul’s Story of Hope and Recovery

1110

Directors’ Report

THE BOARD

The organisation is directed by a voluntary Board which

comprises people with varied backgrounds, some who have

recovered from mental health issues. Its function is to provide

leadership, develop strategy, formulate effective policies and

oversee their implementation, ensure good governance and

information. Detailed budgets are prepared and are reviewed

by the Finance Committee and further reviewed and approved

by the Board. Actual results and outcomes are compared

against the budget to ensure alignment with plans and to

maintain tight budgetary control and value for money.

Governance of GROW in Ireland is conducted in accordance

with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

REGIONAL TEAMS, PROGRAMME TEAM AND COMMITTEES

There are eight Regional Teams which provides a direct link

between members, Regional Teams and the Board. The

voluntary Regional Teams fundraise for and provide support

groups and educational programmes.

The following committees are appointed by the Board to aid in

the internal workings of the organisation.

1 Programme Team

2 Fundraising Committee

3 Finance & Audit Committee

MANAGEMENT

The Chief Executive, to whom day to day management of the

organisation is delegated, leads a team of 41 employees working

and support of the organisation, including Finance, IT, HR,

to the network of Area Co-Ordinators, Regional Teams, GROW

members throughout the regions and the Information Line.

Programme development and operations currently sit within

the remit of the Chief Executive and the National Programme

Co-Ordinator.

The Board of GROW in Ireland met on 6 occasions during the

year. Three Committees assisted with the work of the Board

during 2012.

MAJOR RISKS FACING THE ORGANISATION

The Board are responsible for ensuring that the major risks

facing the organisation are appropriately managed. This is

circumstances facing the organisation. During the year the

the management team have been reviewed and their potential

impact assessed. In particular, cost cutting measures were

in statutory funding and the uncertainty of fundraising income.

Strategies and controls aimed at managing risks appropriately

have been agreed, many of which are already in place and

effective; others are being developed further especially with

regard to uncertainty around income. In many cases the control

processes are subject to continuous improvement.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

In 2013 we will continue to work towards the achievement of

our goals and objectives. The Board of GROW in Ireland is

committed to building an organisation which is integrated,

effective, outcome-driven and accountable.

The Strategic Plan for 2013 - 2015 is being developed by the

Board who will continue working towards the achievement

of the objectives when the plan has been set out. The Plan

will follow a sequence from the general objectives of the

activities to be implemented over the three years), covering the

organisation’s vision, goals and strategies along the way.

Regional individual plans will be prepared for the different

regions of the organisation, staff and volunteers.

The Board will commence on adopting the Code of Governance

and ICTR Guiding Principles for Fundraising during the course

of 2013.

• To work for the personal growth of people who are in any

way inadequate or maladjusted to life including the pursuit

community mental health.

• To promote, establish direct maintain. and co-ordinate

GROW groups meaning thereby voluntarily attended

mutual help and self activation groups conducted according

to conditions prescribed by GROW International for the

personal growth of people who arc in any way inadequate or

maladjusted to life.

• To promote develop conduct foster, support, research and

investigation into matters appertaining to the personal

growth of people who are inadequate or maladjusted to life.

GROWs’ mission is to nurture

mental health, personal growth,

prevention and full recovery from

all kinds of mental illness

The Directors present their annual report and the audited consolidated financial

statements for the year ended 31 December 2012.

In this report the Directors of GROW in Ireland (“GROW”) present its activities,

governance, achievements and finances for the year ended 31 December 2012.

GROW in Ireland MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

Structure, Governance and Management

1312

chairperson’s Report

A number of initiatives have been undertaken already. We have

increased the number of company members by 20% and plan to

increase it again in the current year. One of the main challenges

for the new National Program Coordinator, Christine, will be to

reawaken the spirit of volunteerism which was so much a part

of the GROW movement at its foundation. Indeed our CEO

Michele recently completed a Master’s thesis on the subject of

“Performance Management of Volunteers” in which she used

GROW as a case study.

As well as increasing the number of young adult groups, as

already mentioned, GROW has maintained its presence in both

Arbour Hill and Mountjoy prisons as well as the Central Mental

Hospital in the last year. Indeed we have requests in for two

more such prison groups. Indeed last September at the annual

conference of the Association for Criminal Justice Research

and Development GROW was asked to organize a workshop

which featured a member of the Mountjoy group. This was very

in this Forum at this juncture I would like to acknowledge the

great effort put in by our two Area coordinators Leo Pattison

and Ellen Ryle in successfully running these two projects.� / � � � � � / � � � � � � � 0 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � / �So what does the future hold for GROW? We have recently

a strategy review of GROW and to come up with a plan for the

next three years. GROW has also decided to adopt the Pquasso

quality assurance model in order to insure that our systems

being driven by Helen Hogan our HR Manager.

As I said at the very beginning 2012 will be a pivotal year in

that spirit and passion that inspired Conn all those years ago.

“The old order changeth making way for the new” I include

myself as part of that old order! Finally I was asked last year

when I became Chairperson what my priorities were for the

year. I answered “the groups”. That must and will remain the

overriding priority for the next year also.

All that remains for me to do now is to express my thanks to

the board for their support in the past year, to acknowledge the

dedication of our staff across the country and to wish all the

GROWers in Ireland the best in life and love and happiness.1 2 3 4 5 6 4 7 8 9 : 7 ; 4 < => ? : 4 ; 9 2 ; 5 @ 3A B C D 4 3 E ; 2 F : 3 GDEAR MEMBERS

The last year has been an eventful year in the history of the

GROW organisation. In November we lost our founder and the

man whose suffering, insight, intellect, drive and energy led to

the formation of this organisation Father Conn Keogh. We all

owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for he truly, through

mental health.

Here at home there were changes also. Mike Watts stepped

down as fulltime National Program Co-ordinator after many

years in that role. A number of employees with many years of

service to the organisation also took their well earned rest and

I am sure you will join with me in wishing them all the best in

their retirement. As a result of all these changes the next 12

months will be particularly challenging for GROW in Ireland.

we can build on the successes of the past. Indeed I see much

ground for optimism as I review some of the events of the past

year. I would like now to outline some of them to you.

The awareness among the mental health community of the

validity of the Recovery model continues to grow and Conn’s

As some of you will be aware Mike Watts has just completed

the GROW Program as experienced by over 20 individual

GROWers. This work, which was supported by GROW, has

been completed and will I feel sure, give an added impetus to

the debate on the recovery model. Indeed GROW will co-host

with Trinity College and The Commission on Mental Health

a conference on this theme. President Michael D Higgins will

open the conference.� � � H � � � � � � � � H � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Once again we have delivered Community Education

Programmes this time in both the South and Southeast. These

two programmes were funded by Electric Aid. I am glad to

announce that we have recently received funding to roll out

these programmes in the Northeast and East in the current

year. The latter is in addition to a separate grant for a similar

programme in Sligo. All of these programmes, which are based

on the GROW Program and philosophy, help to put our name

before these communities.

The regional team in the Midwest have continued their

excellent relationship with the JP McManus foundation and

were recently awarded a capital grant of €300,000 to enable

them to purchase a premise in the centre of Limerick. The board

recently took the decision to nominate these new premises as

in county Limerick.

I mention these grants because once again our grant from the

HSE was cut last year by over €70,000 as you can see from

is in continuing to maintain the level of support is especially

challenging. Both Michele our CEO and Audrey our Financial

the activities of GROW in Ireland.

Indeed it is becoming clear that we are going to have to depend

more on our own resources in the future especially if we wish

to expand our activities and the number of groups. We have

recently set up a fundraising committee, chaired by John

coordinating all our internal fundraising activities. I urge you

all to support him in whatever way you can.

Another way of helping to increase our activities is of course

through our own voluntary efforts. Last year at the AGM we

had two motions proposed and passed. They both related to

the importance of GROWers placing GROWers at the heart of

the movement. This is of course a two way street. GROWers

then have to become a beating heart of the movement infusing

lifeblood into all the activities and projects of the movement.

You alone can do it,but you can’t do it alone©

1514

Chief executive report

DEAR MEMBERS

At GROW in Ireland we are proud of what we do, of what we

have achieved and of what we represent. It is our continued

commitment, to providing effective support to people who have

or are suffering from mental health issues, that drives our focus.

GROW in Ireland supports a process of recovery, allowing the

During 2012 GROW in Ireland experienced yet another

challenging year as we worked to cope with increased demand

for our support groups and, at the same time, a reduction in

managed to maintain its level of groups as well as delivering

educational and workplace programmes around the country.

OVERVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS

GROW is a national community based organisation working to

promote mental health and wellbeing for all, to prevent mental

ill health for people who are “at risk” and to support people

with mental health problems during their recovery.

Since coming to Ireland in 1969, GROW has established:

• 130 support groups operating in communities.

• Leadership Programmes

• Support programmes within prisons and Central Mental

Hospital

• Community Educational Programmes

• Workplace Programmes

• Young Adult Groups

• Information Line

• Respite Weekends

GROWS’ APPROACH

GROW’s approach is centred on its unique Recovery

Programme, which involves mutual help support groups based

within local communities.

principal strength is the support its members give to each

other, drawing on their own successful experiences of recovery

from mental ill-health.

• Acceptance and a sense of belonging

• A way to progressively overcome isolation and fear

• New life management and coping skills

• Training for leadership roles or activities in the wider

community

• Social integration

• Increased capacity and resilience

RECOVERY PROGRAM

The Recovery Program is designed for people to take back

control of their lives, overcome obstacles and start living a life

full of meaning, hope and optimism.

GROW’s weekly support groups offer the opportunity for people

to share challenges and solutions for recovery in a supportive

and structured way. Participants are also encouraged to

develop their leadership skills by attending education and

training sessions and participate in a range of social activities.

GROW YOUNG ADULT GROUPS

GROW has extended its experience in peer support and

developed a number of Young Adult Groups for those aged 18-

30 years

• Young participants may present with emotional problems,

peer isolation, low self esteem, trouble with school/college,

poor coping skills, and issues with bulling, self harm or other

• Through GROWs’ Program of Recovery they develop their

personal skills, share their issues and seek solutions and

perspectives within the group

• Over a period of time young adults grow to realise that they

are not alone and develop on going, supportive relationships

with each other

PRISON SERVICES AND CENTRAL MENTAL HOSPITAL

GROW in Ireland has an established and well-regarded

association with prison support work, in Arbour Hill,

Mountjoy Training Unit and Central Mental Hospital. This

Probation Services.

Prisoners are encouraged to:

• Work on problems - with proven vital assistance from the

Grow Program

• Assignment of tailored practical tasks

• Reports of progress, which offer encouragement to change

and grow

• Education about maintaining mental health and rebuilding

lives

• Development of social skills and supportive relationships

Darragh .

LEADERSHIP

Grow has recognised the value of Leadership for over 40

years. In helping and supporting others we grow and recover

ourselves. Taking on leadership roles in Grow is associated

with higher levels of wellbeing. In total 13 Leadership meetings

were held throughout the regions. These meetings supported

and developed the skills of 58 members. In addition there were

20 Organiser and Recorder meetings held with a 138 attendees.

12TH STEP WORK (SOCIAL INCLUSION)

Many members experience varies kinds of isolation; geographic

isolation, community, family, friends or indeed self-isolating.

Through social interaction GROW members reduce loneliness,

isolation and the impact it may have in their lives. Throughout

the course of the year, 126 social events took place within regions,

with over 320 members participating. Other regional events

included 7 Community Regional Weekends accommodating

150 members and a National Weekend with an attendance of

over 200 members. Both the Community Regional and National

Weekend were run with the assistance of National Lottery

grants. These weekend settings allow members to socialise,

forge friendships and break the isolation associated with mental

ill health.

David

1716

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

During 2012 GROW in Ireland delivered 29 educational

programmes with over 600 people attending. The Community

Educational Programme aims to develop thinking around the

subject of mental health in general, its relevance to our lives

today and the need and importance of maintaining ones’ own

mental health and general sense of wellbeing. Participants

develop knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

• Understanding your mental health

• Bereavement and Loss

• Life coping skills and strategies

• Stress management

• Suicide and suicidal behaviour, Substance abuse and

addictions & Safe Talk

• Testimonies from people in Recovery & local services

WORKPLACE PROGRAMME

Throughout 2012 GROW in Ireland delivered 8 Workplace

Programs in the Midlands Region with over 120 attendees. The

Workplace Programme assists organisations in responding to

and supporting persons who are at risk of suicidal behaviour.

The programme examines:

• The importance of good mental health well-being in the

workplace

• Promotion / Prevention of work stress: reasons for stress and

how this can be addressed eg work stress / bullying

• Promotion of good practices within the workplace and

provision of a Safe Talk Programme

ADVOCACY

GROW in Ireland was actively involved in progressing the work

of the Mental Health Reform to ensure that mental health and

mental health care services became central to the political and

public policy agenda in Ireland. GROW in Ireland is a member

of the Board of Mental Health Reform.

As a member of Mental Health Reform GROW promotes

improved and prioritised mental health services in Ireland

which includes:

• Promoting best practice in all aspects of service provision to

of an Ireland where people achieve and enjoy the highest

attainable standard of mental health

As a partner in See Change GROW continued working through

the National Stigma Reduction Partnership to bring about

positive change in public attitudes and behaviour towards

people with mental health problems.

website and facebook� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � / � � � � � I � � �� J � � � H � � I � � K � � � I � � � � � � � �� J � � � H � � I � � � � � I � �� / I � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �On behalf of GROW in Ireland I would like to thank

Suicide Prevention, National Lottery, Community

& Voluntary Supports Environment, Community

& Local Government, Prison & Probation Services

and Iarnroid Eireann for their continued support

throughout 2012.

Finally, it is my pleasure to work with such a truly

remarkable and dedicated team of volunteers, staff,

Board and supporters. It is a privilege to have the

opportunity to work with an organisation which

directs its energy to enabling and empowering the

lives of those people who have or are suffering from

mental health issues. L 4 < ? 2 F 2 M 2 ; ; 4 N : 3> ? 4 2 O P Q 2 < R 7 4 S 2A B C D 4 3 E ; 2 F : 3 G“Helping people

help themselves”

1918

INFORMATION LINE

1,887

36%

64%

The Information line received 1887 calls of which

36% were male callers and 64% were female.

2120

information line 1890 474 474

Grow groups

When analysing data around calls to the Information Line, it is useful to understand the behaviour of callers to an Info line. For

enough to speak. Other callers may have concerns regarding a loved one and others maybe professionals seeking community

support for their client. GROW in Ireland operates an Information line from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. The Information

callers during 2012.

GROW in Ireland has 126 groups operating

nationwide. In addition to this GROW

operates within prison settings and the

Central Mental Hospital. GROW support

groups bring together people facing similar

issues, whether that’s illness, relationship

problems or major life changes. Members

of the groups often share experiences and

advice.

GROW groups may include:

• Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged

• Gaining a sense of empowerment and

control

• Improving coping skills and sense of

adjustment

• Talking openly and honestly about

feelings

• Reducing distress, depression or anxiety

• Developing a clearer understanding of

what to expect with a particular situation

The following charts displays the Age

GROW Support Groups

62% Self

09% Friend/Colleague

16% Relative

10% Professional

03% Other

Caller Profile Age Profile of Callers

01% Under 18

14% 18-30

45% 31-45

28% 46-60

09% 60+

03% non disclosure

reasons for attending grow groups

0% 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Suicidal

Depression

Isolation

Bereavement

Anxiety/Panic Attacks

Stress

Bi-Polar

Schizophrenia

Self-Harm

OCD

Eating Disorders

Long Term Physical Illness

Relationship Problems

Substance Misuse

Other

Age Profile of those attending groups

19% 18-30

41% 31-50

40% 51+

2322

During 2012 GROW in Ireland delivered 29 educational programmes with over people

attending600

2524

treasurer’s report

human resource management report

in Ireland and I wish to acknowledge the support and dedication

of Audrey McLoughlin, in her role as Finance Manager. In spite

to thank the HSE for their on-going support of our community

mental health recovery programme across all regions. We are

also very grateful for the support of other organisations who

Prevention, Irish Prison Services, The Probation Services,

National Lottery, The Department of Environment, Community

and Local Government, ESB Electric Aid, VEC and FAS).

from grants, primarily the HSE, with the remainder coming from

imbalance constitutes a risk, especially given that HSE funding

has reduced by 20% on 2008 levels, but moves are being made to

address this. The Fundraising Committee, ably chaired by John

that day was €15k which was almost met and a higher target of

€50k has been set for 2013. This should be achievable as there

were many valuable lessons learned from our 2012 experience.

There is also scope to encourage “GROWers” to increase the

level of their voluntary donations, where means permit, from

the current level which averages out at €50 per annum. There is

also capacity within most groups to absorb new members, which

would increase donations without impacting costs. I would like

to acknowledge the support of GROWers at fundraising events

nationwide and also praise the dedication of those who take on

Team members) – these roles are critical to the running of

GROW in Ireland.

During 2012, there were a number of senior staff retirements

posts which had a big, once off, impact on reducing expenditure.

There was a further 10% reduction in staff travel costs, coming

after a similar reduction in 2011. This was achieved by improved

logistical management and heightened awareness. The nature

of GROW in Ireland’s work with dispersed community groups

substantial travel costs. The only way to reduce these further

would be to rely more heavily on local volunteer group support.

Moves are being made to reduce national and executive travel

costs in 2013 by appropriate use of web conferencing facilities.

There has been a substantial drop in spend on advertising in

recent years as this is an easy target when sources of revenue

decrease. However, advertising is critical in bringing in new

members and also in promoting GROW in Ireland to those

individuals, groups and organisations who are involved in

events around the country). There was however an investment

in a new website and associated Facebook page, along with

some rebranding. This will enable some targeted social media

campaigns during 2013 which may be more cost effective than

advertising solely in traditional media. We are indebted to the

South Eastern Region who funded this development.

GROW in Ireland does retain a healthy bank balance overall,

when aggregated over all regions and including current

and deposit accounts. This is in line with our 6 month cash

reserve policy. One of the main reasons for this is to enable

event of delays in receiving grants. If the organisation did not

retain a buffer against this, then staff would need to be laid off

or put on reduced hours during such times.

GROW in Ireland is currently working towards PQASSO

fundraising policies and procedures. There is also a strong drive

within the organisation to capture and report on the data which

set of key performance indicators.

2012 was a tough year operationally for GROW in Ireland, but

from which to “grow” our organisation into the future in order

to help more people on their journey to recovery.B @ T U 7 2 9 ? 2 3V ; 2 : 5 R ; 2 ;A B C D 4 3 E ; 2 F : 3 GHuman Resources in GROW continues to promote a

professional function to meet the needs of the organisation,

and to support the vision, values and objectives of GROW in

a neutral capacity while continuing to establish a clear link

its staff and service users.

The Human Resource function is responsible for monitoring

changes to employment legislation, developing new policies

as required and reviewing current Human Resource processes

and policies to ensure that all Human Resource associated

information and documentation is up to date and compliant

with employment legislation and best practice and that we have

a thorough understanding of and experience in its practical

appropriately and consistently.

In 2012 the work of the Human Resource Manager included

working with and providing information & advice to the CEO,

NPC, Finance Manager, Regional Managers, Members of the

Board, Regional Teams, Area Co-ordinators, Administrative

Staff, CE Staff and Volunteers, the monitoring of work

performance and ensuring that Human Resource Policies

including Grievance and Discipline processes were adhered to.

We also maintained external working relationships with IBEC,

EAP, The Wheel, DFI, IMCV, Volunteering Ireland and Trade

Unions.

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

The Human Resource Manager is responsible for the

recruitment process including developing job descriptions in

collaboration with relevant colleagues, interviewing and short-

Once employment commences we issue a contract of

employment, carry out reference and Garda clearance checks

and gather relevant documentation. We then carry out an

organisational induction including Health & Safety, open

a six month period we carry out a probationary review.

STAFF TURNOVER

In 2012 we had a busy year due to the retirements of Mike

Watts, National Program Co-ordinator, Patricia Kenny and

Mary Greene Regional Managers and Aideen Lovett, Area Co-

ordinator in the Western Region, we would like to acknowledge

and sincerely thank all four for several years of hard work and

dedication to GROW.

In June Kenneth Brennan took up post as Manager for the

Northeast and Northwest Regions, in July Christine Fitzgerald

was appointed National Program Co-ordinator and assumed

the role towards the end of the year. October saw James

Quilligan appointed to the post of Regional Manager in the

Midwest and Southern Regions.

Christine Fitzgerald and Ruairi Powell continued to manage

the East and Southeast Regions in a caretaking capacity until

the end of 2012 at which point James Quilligan took over

management of the Southern Region - Ruairi Powell continues

to manage the Eastern Region along with the Prison Project.

We also recruited two new Area Co-ordinators, Joanne Nelligan

in the Southern Region and Mary Purcell in the Midwest

Region. Chrissie Fitzpatrick joined the Eastern Region as

Administrator and also worked as a Support Area Co-ordinator

in the Prison Project. Both Gary Ledger and Consuelo Connolly

resigned from GROW in 2012 and we would like to wish them

and caretaking roles.

TIME MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYEE RECORDS (TMS)

Time management is an on-going function of human resources,

with the on-line TMS now allowing staff to enter and access

their own information regarding entitlements, time sheets

and leave requests. Approvals are done on-line with copies

e-mailed directly to relevant Regional Managers thus reducing

time spent entering information, thus streamlining and

more effectively monitoring time keeping. There has been a

reduction in excessive time worked up and annual leave carried

at the end of the work year and we would like to thank all staff

for their on-going co-operation.

2726

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

In line with on-going organisational changes employment

policies and procedure were reviewed throughout the year

staying up to date with current legislation, the following

policies were updated and are with the board for approval.

• Health and Safety

• Suicide Prevention Policy

• Inclement Weather policy

We developed two new policies namely a Volunteer

Management Policy and a Group Policy & Procedure Booklet

with wall laminate. The later was developed to assist Area

Co-ordinators answer group queries around certain policies

and to ensure that all GROWers were made aware of Health

and Safety procedures. The booklet included Health & Safety,

Policies and Emergency Contact Details.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Industrial Relations continue to play a large part in the Human

Resource function and involve the maintenance of employer-

employee relationships that contribute to satisfactory

productivity, motivation, and morale. It is concerned with

preventing and resolving problems involving individuals

which, arise out of or affect work situations. During 2012 we

dealt with a variety of issues including, work related stress,

poor performance, poor time keeping, and changes to working

conditions. In the area of Industrial Relations we continue

to work very closely with IBEC and continue to develop our

employer/employee relations, ensuring that we adhere at all

times to best practice.

TRAINING

Following a training needs analysis we held several constructive

the organisation and ultimately the people attending GROW

groups.

These included two training days held in Athlone in March and

included for Area Co-ordinators;

• Back to Basics and Problems that Arise delivered by the

Regional Managers

• Stress Management with Trish Murphy of EAP

• O & R and Leadership Training with Mike Watts

• Facilitation Skills with Paula Weir from High Performance

The administrators training included;

• Facilitation/Info-line Skills delivered by Jane Leonard from

professional.ie

• SAGE training delivered by Sean Burke of SAGE

In December Administrators attended Website Maintenance

training with BrandX. The Administrators can now update their

own regional group details and information on fundraising

activities.

INFO LINE & ATTENDEE STATISTICS SURVEY MONKEY

We continue to gather GROW Attendee and Information

Line statistics enabling us to provide funders with up to date

information on numbers attending GROW groups and calling

the information line. Thank you to one and all for taking this

on board and returning and entering the forms so promptly

and to Elaine Patton for running the monthly reports.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The GROW EAP service continues to have a substantial uptake.

The core components provided in the programme include:

and legal information services, unlimited access to web and

online services, diagnostic evaluation and referral services

for employees and face-to-face counselling for personal/work

HSF (HEALTH SATURDAY FUND)

A contributory health insurance plan is now available to all

staff, information on the service and the costs can be obtained

from Human Resources.

Finally we would like to thank all staff and volunteers of

GROW for their on-going co-operation, hard work and support

throughout the year and their continued commitment to

GROW.W 2 F 2 3 W @ N : 3W R X : 3 B 2 5 @ R ; < 2 L : 3 : N 2 ;A B C D 4 3 E ; 2 F : 3 GPQASSO� � � I � � � � � / � � � � � � � � � � � � � � H � � I � � � � � � � Y � � � � � � / � � � � � � � � � � I � � � � �

2928

prisonsSUPPORT GROUPS130 130 support groups operating in communities.

Support programmes within prisons and Central Mental Hospital

GROW’s weekly support groups offer the opportunity

for people to share challenges and solutions for

recovery in a supportive and structured way.

3130

easterN region

western region

167a Capel Street, Dublin 1

01 873 4029

[email protected]

Mosaic Centre, Harlequin Plaza,

Garvey Way, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

094 902 6417

[email protected]

TRAINING

Co-ordinators & Administrators)

OUTREACH• Orientation/ Presentations in Inchicore Mental Health

Centre, Laurena Day Centre Balbriggan, St. Ita’s Portrane

Psychiatric Hospital, Day Hospital Coolock

• Gatekeepers Programmes: Carnegie Court Hotel Swords/

• Information Day: Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan & Naas

• Presentations to various groups

• Publicity in local newspapers

• Artane Day Centre: Youth Development Programme

• 10 week Programme Mountjoy Prison

ACTIVITIES• Regular Group socials

• CMH Summer Party

• Attendance at National Weekend by members from across

region

• Weekly 12 step work; Cassidy’s Hotel, Dublin

• Glendalough Regional Weekend

• Ongoing Publication of regional Newsletter

• National Weekend, Radisson Hotel, Athlone

• Christmas Party: Wynns Hotel, Dublin

FUNDRAISING• Participation in National Flag Day Collections

• Phoenix Park run

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMESGATEKEEPERS:

Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords, Co. Dublin. November 2012

Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin. June/ July 2013

TRAINING


• Training on Website for Administrator December

OUTREACH• Orientations in Roscommon Psychiatric Unit, St. Brigid’s

Ballinasloe, Castlebar Hospital, Ballybane Psychiatric Unit

• Gatekeepers’ Programme in Carlton Shearwater Ballinasloe

• Presentations to various groups, services and agencies Co.

Galway

• GROW presentation in conjunction with JIGSAW Galway

• Publicity in local newspapers and church bulletins

• Partnership work with ‘Advancing Recovery in Ireland’

• Loughrea HSE staff presentation

• Membership on Ballinasloe JIGSAW Committee


• Redevelopment of Western Region: Regional Team

• Launch of new Loughrea GROW Community Group

• Attendance at National Weekend by 12 members

• GROW Christmas Social Athlone Radisson Hotel, 23

members attended

• Regular O&R’s across counties Galway, Mayo &

Roscommon

• Re introduction of Leaders Meetings: Galway city groups

• Esker House Regional Weekend

• NUIG talk

• Davitt College presentation to TY students

• Galway Trialogue

FUNDRAISING• Volvo Ocean Race street collection

• Participation in National Flag Day Collection

• GROW Golf Tournament: Galway Bay Resort Golf Course

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMESPROGRAMME 1: GATEKEEPERS’ COURSE: BALLINASLOE, CARLTON SHEARWATER, OCTOBER 2012.

Week 1: Introduction to Mental Health

Week 2: Challenges Facing Vulnerable People

Week 3: Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Week 4: Challenges Facing Young People

Week 5: Services in Ballinasloe

STAFFRegional Manager: Ruairi Powell

Regional Chairperson: David Walsh

• 2 Part-time Area Co-ordinators

• 1 Part-time Administrator

NUMBER OF GROW GROUPS• Community Groups: 15

• Day Care Centre Groups: 0

• Hospital Groups: 0

• Orientations: 1V @ 7 : F Z [ \ STAFFRegional Manager: Ruairi Powell

• 1 Full-time Area Co-ordinator

• 1 Part-time Area Co-ordinator



• Day Care Centre Groups 0

• Hospital Groups 0

• Orientations 4V @ 7 : F Z [ ]

3332

midland region

mid west region

Bolger House, Patrick Street,

Tullamore, Co. Offaly

057 935 1124

[email protected]

33 Henry Street, Limerick

061 318 813

[email protected]

TRAINING


• Training on Website for Administrator December

OUTREACH• Orientations in Portlaoise Hospital and Ashbrook Centre,

Mullingar

• Gatekeepers’ Programmes in Mountmellick, Mullingar,

Portlaoise, Moate, Tullamore & Ballymahon

• Workplace Workshops in Longford, Tullamore, Portlaoise

& Athlone

• Information Day A.I.T.

• Presentations to various groups

• Offaly Mental Health Talks Week Presentation

• Laois Connects Week Presentation

• Attendance at Launch of Jigsaw Project, Tullamore

• Publicity in local newspapers & church bulletins


• Attendance at National Weekend by 20 members

• GROW Social Athlone Radisson Hotel, 62 members

attended

• Suicide Awareness Day for Members

• Leadership Course for Members

FUNDRAISING• 10 Church Gate Collections

• Participation in National Flag Day Collections

• Donations: Camross Choir, Offaly Macra na Feirme,

Brigidine Sisters, Covidien

• Ladies Mini-marathon

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMESPROGRAMME 1: GATEKEEPERS’ COURSE

Week 1: Understanding & Promoting Positive Well Being

Week 2: Life Coping Skills

Week 3: Stress Management & Change

Week 4: Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Week 5: Bereavement/Addiction

PROGRAMME 2: PROMOTING POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

Presentation 1: Promoting Positive Mental Health & Well

Being

Presentation 2: Stress Management in the Workplace

4 workshops delivered in 2012

Fundraising• Church Gate collections

• Collections in various shopping centres

• A number of bag packs took place in the region

• Sponsored walk

Educational Programmes

• Occupational Therapy Students presentation on an annual

basis

• Presentations to a number of schools over the year

Outreach / Social Events• Community weekend in Aherlow House

• National Weekend in Athlone

• Regional Christmas party in Galway

• Talks / presentations to the Day Hospitals / Day Care

Centres

• 12 step events in various groups on a regular basis

• Walking club on-going

• Poster campaign

• Coffee morning throughout the regions

WE OPENED THE NEW OFFICES IN OCTOBER. A GREAT BOOST TO THE REGION.

STAFFRegional Manager: Ruairi Powell

Regional Chairperson: Mary Donlon





• Day Care Centre Groups: 7

• Hospital Groups: 1

• Orientations: 2V @ 7 : F Z [ ^ STAFFRegional Manager: James Quilligan

Regional Chairperson: Rob Stephen




• Day Centre Groups: 3

• Orientations: 2V @ 7 : F Z [ ]

3534

south east region

southern region

Ormonde Home, Barrack Street,

Kilkenny

056 776 1624

[email protected]

1st Floor, 34 Grand Parade, Cork

021 427 7520

[email protected]

FUNDRAISING• Church Gate Collections

• Ribbon Days

• Bag Packs

• Dublin Mini Marathon

• Table Quizzes

• 1st Night Play

• Dances

• Parachute Jump

• Bric-a-Brac

• Company Donations

• Christmas Shopping Wrap

• Treasure Hunt

• Christmas Card Sales

Educational Programme ‘Your Mental Health and Caring for it’ a six week community

education course has been successfully rolled out across the

South East during 2012. Traveller education programme also

ran.

Outreach • Interviews on local radio stations

• Mental Health community events / talks

• Schools

• Probation Service

• Garda Youth Diversion Project

• GROW is represented on the following: RAPID, STAN,

Link Up, Traveller Mental Health project Carlow/Kilkenny,

Lifeline and Carlow Mental Health Association

Social Events• 12 Step work within the groups

• Summer outing

• National and Regional Weekends

• Members attended events i.e. Table Quizzes, Film nights,

Organised walks, Theatre nights, lunches and coffee

mornings

Fundraising• Church Gate collections

• Collections in various shopping centres

• A number of bag packs took place in the region

Educational Programmes• Leadership training day

• Gatekeepers course was run in Cork

Outreach / Social Events• Community weekend in Killarney. Excellent turn out.

• National Weekend in Athlone

• Christmas night out in Cork

• Talks / presentations to the Day Hospitals / Day Care

Centres

• 12 step events in various groups on a regular basis

• Poster campaign

• Talks given throughout the region to promote groups

STAFFRegional Manager: James Quilligan

Regional Chairperson: Gertrude Howley


• 1 Part-time Area Co-Ordinator


• CE Scheme 3


• Special Groups: 3

• Orientations: 2V @ 7 : F Z _ ` STAFFRegional Manager: James Quilligan

Regional Chairperson: Mary Brennan




• Day Centre Groups: 3

• Orientations: 2

• Youth Group: 1V @ 7 : F Z _ _

3736

north east regionApt. 6, Forrest Mews, Forrest Road,

Swords, Co. Dublin

01 840 8236

[email protected]

Review of Work undertaken in 20122 new groups were established in the North East Region in

2012: Cavan and Navan

The existing GROW groups in the North East Region are as

follows:

• Dundalk GROW Group

• Drogheda GROW Group

• Monaghan GROW Group

• Kells GROW Group

• Kells Young Adult GROW Group

• Navan GROW Group

• Cavan GROW Group

Some of these groups remain strong and are well established.

They have a very good working relationship with their Area

Co-ordinators and continue to promote the work of GROW in

their communities. New members are encouraged to join and

they are well supported within the groups. However some are

weak and need some attention from the Area Co-ordinator as

well as seasoned GROWers. The new Groups in Cavan and

Navan are struggling with no consistency in numbers.

Organisers’ and Recorders’ meetingsOrganisers’ and Recorders’ meetings are now established in

the North East Region since September 2012. They are held

Bi-Monthly and they facilitate on-going structured meetings

involved in all GROW groups. They provide the opportunity

for volunteer Group Leaders to meet up with each other in a

formal setting to discuss all matters relating to the smooth

running of all groups in the region. It also allows continued

strategic dialogue to take place between all volunteers and

the Area Co-ordinators within the region.

Outreach, Presentations in 2012• GROW Presentations to many Second and Third level

Educational Institutions in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and

Meath

• Presentations on Mental Health Awareness and the object

of the GROW Program to other organisations such as Third

Age, Dundalk, Co. Louth GAA etc.

• National Weekend in Radisson Hotel, Athlone, October

2012

• Development of partnerships with other Mental Health

organisations in the Region to identify and support those

in the community in need of assistance

• Member of the Collaboration Group within the HSE dealing

with Mental Health

• On-going presentations to relevant external Services and

Agencies

• Interviews on Local and National Radio

• Interviews in local Print Media

NORTH EAST REGION COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES (GATEKEEPER): _ > P a A : 7 2 = 2 2 9 2 ; a ; @ N ; : X X 2 5 7 @ @ = 9 F : < 2 4 3 _ b [ _ c• Monaghan in October for 4 consecutive weeks

• Trim in November for 4 consecutive weeks

The CEP Gatekeeper Programmes were very successful in

the North East Region. They facilitated partnerships being

formed with other external agencies in this regard which

included the following :

• Mental Health Ireland

• Health Service Executive

• Third Age

• MABS

• Jigsaw

Regional Team Meetings

are an evolving team who are endeavouring to build a new

team that will improve their work and the GROW Program.

They are very novice due to their inexperience but they are

gradually coming to terms in their dealings with the Manager

and 2013 and they are committed to achieving them.

Leaders/Leadership MeetingsThese meetings are conducted on a Bi-Monthly basis and are

seen to be of the utmost importance to the GROW Program.

They encourage leadership and development in the members

so that they can achieve higher personal attainment in their

own health and lifestyle. These meetings were held in Dundalk

to facilitate travel and the fact that the most experienced

GROW members are based in the Dundalk, Drogheda and

Monaghan Groups.

TrainingThere were no dedicated training days allocated to the GROW

members in the North East Region. This was due to the fact

that there was no Manager until 1st June and the Regional

Team was struggling to get members to attend meetings and

make appropriate decision regarding training.C 7 ? 2 ; V ; : 4 3 4 3 N > @ R ; 5 2 5 O @ ; 7 ? 2 B 2 N 4 @ 3 d 2 ; 2 : 5O @ F F @ d 5 Z• Area Co-ordinators Training

• Regional Team Training

• GROW Members attending ASIST Training

• O&R Training

• Leadership Training

Activities• National GROW Weekend 19-21 October

• Regional Christmas Party in Monaghan and Kells on 14/12

Fundraising• National Annual Collection on 10th October

• Bag packing in local Supermarkets

STAFFRegional Manager: Kenneth Brennan

Regional Chairperson: Owen Somers

Regional member on the National

Executive: Nil

• 1 Part-time Area Co-ordinator on 30 hrs

/ week, who covers Monaghan and Louth

• 1 part time Area Co-ordinator on 15 hrs/

week, who covers Cavan and Meath

• 1 part time Administrator on 5 hrs/week

NUMBER OF GROW GROUPSNumber of GROW Mutual Support

Groups operating in the North East

Region: 7

Orientation: 1 – The Tain Centre, NavanV @ 7 : F Z ^

3938

north west regionPearse Road, Letterkenny,

Co. Donegal

074 916 1628

[email protected]

Review of Work undertaken in 2012No new groups were established in the North West Region

in 2012.

The existing GROW groups in the North West Region are as

follows:

• Buncrana GROW Group

• Moville GROW Group

• Letterkenny GROW Group

• Stranorlar GROW Group

• Killybegs GROW Group

• Dungloe GROW Group

• Donegal GROW Group

• Bundoran GROW Group* in recess

• Carrick-on-Shannon GROW Group

These groups remain strong and are well established. They

have a very good working relationship with their Area Co-

ordinators and continue to promote the work of GROW in

their communities. New members are encouraged to join and

they are well supported within the groups. Also, as a result of

the very valuable Gatekeeper Programme, 2 other areas are

being targeted for new GROW Groups, namely Milford and

Enniscrone.

Organisers’ and Recorders’ meetingsOrganisers’ and Recorders’ meetings have been well

established in the North West Region in 2012. They are held

Bi-Monthly and they facilitate on-going structured meetings

involved in all GROW groups. They provide the opportunity

for volunteer Group Leaders to meet up with each other in a

formal setting to discuss all matters relating to the smooth

running of all groups in the region. It also allows continued

strategic dialogue to take place between all volunteers and

the Area Co-ordinators within the region.

Outreach, Presentations in 2012• GROW Presentations to many Second and Third level

Educational Institutions in Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo

• Presentations on Mental Health Awareness and the object

of the GROW Program to other organisations such as Men’s

Sheds, IFA etc.

• National Weekend in Radisson Hotel, Athlone, October

2012

• Development of partnerships with other Mental Health

organisations in the Region to identify and support those

in the community in need of assistance

• Delivery of the ASIST courses in the Sligo/Leitrim area

• On-going presentations to relevant external Services and

Agencies

• Interviews on Local and National Radio

• Interviews in local Print Media

NORTH WEST REGION COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES (GATEKEEPER):] > P a A : 7 2 = 2 2 9 2 ; a ; @ N ; : X X 2 5 7 @ @ = 9 F : < 2 4 3 _ b [ _ c• Manorhamilton in February for 4 consecutive weeks

• Moville in June for 4 consecutive weeks

• Enniscrone in Sept/Oct for 4 consecutive weeks

• Curry in November for 4 consecutive weeks

The CEP Gatekeeper Programmes were very successful in

the North West Region. They facilitated Partnerships being

formed with other external agencies in this regard which

included the following :

• Mental Health Ireland

• Health Service Executive

• Third Age

• MABS

• Jigsaw

• Headstrong

Regional Team Meetings

are an excellent team who are focussed and dedicated to

their work and the GROW Program. They are very forward

thinking and progressive in their dealings with the Manager

and Staff and they achieve the optimum level of effort from

and goals for both 2012 and 2013 and they are committed to

achieving them.

Leaders/Leadership MeetingsThese meetings are conducted on a Bi-Monthly basis and are

seen to be of the utmost importance to the GROW Program.

They encourage leadership and development in the members

so that they can achieve higher personal attainment in their

own health and lifestyle. These meetings were held in Sligo

and Letterkenny to facilitate travel and on 2 occasions all

people attending met in Donegal for an amalgamated meeting

to ensure that the delivery of the programme is constant and

accurate.

Training

GROW members in the North West Region. These were

held on the 10/3 an 22/9 in Donegal Town. The National

Programme Co-ordinator, Christine Fitzgerald facilitated the

September Training Day with 35 people in attendance and

which they enjoyed very much.C 7 ? 2 ; V ; : 4 3 4 3 N > @ R ; 5 2 5 O @ ; 7 ? 2 B 2 N 4 @ 3 d 2 ; 2 : 5O @ F F @ d 5 Z• Area Co-ordinators Training

• Regional Team Training

• GROW Members attending ASIST Training

• O&R Training

• Leadership Training

Activities• Regional weekend in Sligo on 25-27 May

• Annual Day Trip to Belfast via Train from Derry 28 July

• National GROW Weekend 19-21 October

• Regional Christmas Party in Ballybofey on 14 December

Fundraising:• On-Going Church Gate Collections throughout the Region

• National Annual Collection on 10 October

• Derry to Buncrana walk in October

• Jigs and Reels in Sligo in February

• Bag packing in local Supermarkets

STAFFRegional Manager: Kenneth Brennan

Regional Chairperson: Josephine

Keaveney

Regional member on the National

Executive: Frank McGonagle

• 1 Part-time Area Co-ordinator on 25

hrs/week, who covers North and Mid-

Donegal

• 1 part time Area Co-ordinator on 25

hrs/week, who covers Sligo, Leitrim,

West Cavan and South Donegal

• 1 part time Administrator on 20 hrs/

week

NUMBER OF GROW GROUPSNumber of GROW Mutual Support

Groups operating in the North West

Region: 10

Donegal - St Columbas, Ballytivnan, Sligo

and the Psychiatric Unit in Letterkenny

Hospital, all visited one time per monthV @ 7 : F Z [ `

4140

I had depression, anxiety and low self-

esteem. I had a tendency to avoid contact

and stay isolated, which only intensified my

condition. Grow is an invaluable source of

support for me, helping me get my mind off

myself and to grow in self-acceptance and

confidence and in active concern for others.

4342

0M 0.5M

2011

2012

2011

2012

2011

2012

1M 1.5M 2M

0K 100K 200K 300K 400K 500K 600K 700K 800K

0K 50K 100K 150K 200K 250K 300K 350K

2011

2012

Income 1,477,207

Income and Expenditure

Cash flow statement

Fundraising, donations and other income

Income 1,806,112

Expenditure 1,527,274


622,725

716,633

38,149

326,347

(A Company Limited by Guarantee

and not having a Share Capital)

Directors’ Report andFinancial Statementsfor the year ended 31 December 2012

GROWIN IRELAND

Registration Number 138767

4544

Directors and other information for the year ended 31 December 2012

Directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2012

DIRECTORS

Denis Fitzpatrick

Frank Mc Monagle

Jayne O’ Sullivan

Judy Byrne

Michael Kilgannon

Rob Stephen

Eoin O’Sullivan

Mary Donlon

Secretary Jayne O’ Sullivan

COMPANY NUMBER

138767

REGISTERED OFFICE

33 Henry Street

Limerick

AUDITORS

Cuddy, O’Leary & Barrett

Chartered Accountants

Registered Auditors

94 South Mall

Cork

BUSINESS ADDRESS

Apt. 6

Forrest Mews

Forrest Road

Swords

Co. Dublin

BANKERS

AIB

Patrick Street

Cork

SOLICITORS

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

2 Harbourmaster Place

IFSC

Dublin 1

MEMBER DETAILS

CHARITY NUMBER

9319

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND REVIEW OF THE BUSINESS

RESULTS

The results for the year are set out on page 7.

DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

The present membership of the board is listed on the ‘Directors and other information’ page

BOOKS OF ACCOUNT

The measures taken by the directors to ensure compliance with the requirements of Section 202, Companies Act, 1990, regarding

proper books of account are the implementation of necessary policies and procedures for recording transactions, the employment

The books of account of the company are maintained at Apt 6 Forrest Mews, Forrest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin.

AUDITORSV ? 4 5 ; 2 9 @ ; 7 d : 5 : 9 9 ; @ S 2 G T e 7 ? 2 f @ : ; G @ 3 _ ^ g R 3 2 _ b [ ` : 3 G 5 4 N 3 2 G @ 3 4 7 5 T 2 ? : F O T e1 4 ; 2 < 7 @ ; 51 2 3 4 5 6 4 7 8 9 : 7 ; 4 < = B @ T U 7 2 9 ? 2 3

4746

Statement of directors responsibilities for the members’ financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Grow in Ireland for the year ended 31 December 2012

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Irish law and generally accepted accounting practice in Ireland including the accounting standards issued by the Accounting

Standards Board and published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.

statements, the directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the

accounting standards generally accepted in Ireland and with Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012. They

are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence, for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and

detection of fraud and other irregularities.C 3 T 2 ? : F O @ O 7 ? 2 T @ : ; G1 4 ; 2 < 7 @ ; 51 2 3 4 5 6 4 7 8 9 : 7 ; 4 < = B @ T U 7 2 9 ? 2 3Date: 28 June 2013

the year ended 31 December 2012 which comprise the Income

and Expenditure account, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow

been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS

As described in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

the company’s directors are responsible for the preparation of

generally accepted accounting practice in Ireland including

the accounting standards issued by the Accounting Standards

Board and published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants

in Ireland.

accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a

body, in accordance with Section 193 of the Companies Act,

1990. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might

state to the company’s members those matters we are required

to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or

assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and

the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this

report, or for the opinions we have formed.

statements give a true and fair view in accordance with Generally

Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland and are properly

prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012.

We also report to you whether in our opinion: proper books

of account have been kept by the company; and whether the

information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with

obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the

in agreement with the books of account.

We also report to you if, in our opinion, any information

directors’ transactions is not disclosed and, where practicable,

include such information in our report.

We read the directors’ report and consider the implications for

our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements

within it. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other

information.

BASIS OF AUDIT OPINION

We conducted our audit in accordance with International

Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test

basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in

the accounting policies are appropriate to the company’s

circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the

information and explanations which we considered necessary

misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity

or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall

statements.

OPINION

• give a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally

Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the state of the

company’s affairs as at 31 December 2012 and of its loss and

• have been properly prepared in accordance with the

Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012.

We have obtained all the information and explanations,

which we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In

our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the

books of account.

In our opinion the information given in the directors’ report is D 4 F F 4 : X > R G G e O @ ; : 3 G @ 3 T 2 ? : F O @ O> R G G e h C i j 2 : ; e k f : ; ; 2 7 7> ? : ; 7 2 ; 2 G l < < @ R 3 7 : 3 7 5B 2 N 4 5 7 2 ; 2 G l R G 4 7 @ ; 5\ ] U @ R 7 ? L : F F h > @ ; =Date: 28 June 2013

4948

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2012

Balance sheet for the year ended 31 December 2012 _ b [ _ _ b [ [m @ 7 2 5 n n n nDebtors

]195,226 248,864

Bank current accounts o 422,966 266,874

Bank deposit accounts p 293,667 355,851

911,859 871,589> ; 2 G 4 7 @ ; 5 Z : X @ R 3 7 5 O : F F 4 3 N G R 2 d 4 7 ? 4 3@ 3 2 e 2 : ; qm 2 7 < R ; ; 2 3 7 : 5 5 2 7 5552,406 542,973V @ 7 : F : 5 5 2 7 5 F 2 5 5 < R ; ; 2 3 7 F 4 : T 4 F 4 7 4 2 5552,406 542,973m 2 7 : 5 5 2 7 5552,406 542,973B 2 5 2 ; S 2 5

Revenue reserves account 552,406 542,973L 2 X T 2 ; 5 i O R 3 G 5 \552,406 542,9731 4 ; 2 < 7 @ ; 51 2 3 4 5 6 4 7 8 9 : 7 ; 4 < = B @ T U 7 2 9 ? 2 3

> @ 3 7 4 3 R 4 3 N @ 9 2 ; : 7 4 @ 3 5_ b [ _ _ b [ [m @ 7 2 5 n nE 3 < @ X 2 ^ h [ _1,806,112 1,477,027P Q 9 2 3 G 4 7 R ; 2

9,433

- -

9,433C 3 T 2 ? : F O @ O 7 ? 2 T @ : ; G1 4 ; 2 < 7 @ ; 51 2 3 4 5 6 4 7 8 9 : 7 ; 4 < = B @ T U 7 2 9 ? 2 3

5150

Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2012 > @ 3 7 4 3 R 4 3 N @ 9 2 ; : 7 4 @ 3 5_ b [ _ _ b [ [m @ 7 2 5 n n

9,433

53,638

Increase in creditors 30,837 107,172

93,908 15,568E 3 < ; 2 : 5 2 4 3 < : 5 ? 4 3 7 ? 2 e 2 : ;93,908 15,568E 3 < ; 2 : 5 2 4 3 < : 5 ? 4 3 7 ? 2 e 2 : ;93,908 15,568m 2 7 O R 3 G 5 : 7 [ g : 3 R : ; e _ b [ _

622,725 607,157m 2 7 O R 3 G 5 : 7 ` [ 1 2 < 2 X T 2 ; _ b [ _716,633 622,725

notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

1: STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation

1.1: BASIS OF PREPARATION

Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012, Accounting Standards generally accepted in Ireland in preparing

1.2: INCOME POLICY

Income represents the total invoice value, excluding value added tax, of sales made during the year.Turnover is recognised when

1.3: TAXATION

No amounts have been provided for corporation taxation as the company has exempt charitable status.

2: ACCOUNTING FOR GRANTS RECEIVABLE

Monies received from the Health Boards and the department of health are accounted for on an invoice basis.

3: NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR _ b [ _ _ b [ [n nThe income for the year is arrived after charging: Auditors’ remuneration 6,135 6,085

4: DEBTORS _ b [ _ _ b [ [n nTrade debtors 188,666 236,017

Other debtors 6,560 6,560

Prepayments and accrued income - 6,287

195,226 248,864

5352

notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 CONTINUED

5: BANK CURRENT ACCOUNTS _ b [ _ _ b [ [n nSwords National current account 6,732 1,793

Mid west current account 24,468 5,630

Eastern current account 6,536 949

Southern current account 32,016 22,065

South east current account 110,876 72,559

Waterford current account 108 108

National account - Grist 12,491 8,810

Midlands current account 57,466 48,510

Friends of Grow account 7,682 2,585

North east current account 9,166 1,756

National salary account 78,161 60,062

Petty cash 781 943

West current account 8,846 7,015

North west current account 67,637 34,089

422,966 266,874

6: BANK DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS _ b [ _ _ b [ [n nNational deposit account 261 255

Eastern deposit account 152 1,932

National term deposit account 35,674 60,625

Mid west deposit account 12,674 12,377

Mid west deposit account - 10,578

Waterford deposit account 82,296 82,196

Southen deposit bequest account 49,801 68,625

North west deposit account 2,406 2,379



Midlands deposit account 58,881 56,884

293,667 355,851

5554


7: CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR _ b [ _ _ b [ [n nGrants received re 2013 12,500 47,500

Accruals 163,832 88,836

Expense creditors 182,519 192,078

PAYE/PRSI 602 202

359,453 328,616

8. HSE AND OTHER GRANTS 2012 2011 _ b [ _ _ b [ [n nEastern HSE 81,254 85,531

North Eastern HSE 62,850 66,508

Midland HSE 100,000 114,429

Western HSE 80,505 81,316

Southern HSE 90,821 94,311

Mid Western HSE 90,519 91,433

South Eastern HSE 123,314 132,596

North West HSE 66,134 68,605

Sligo/Leitrim HSE 26,000 21,500

South Eastern HSE - National Grant 441,527 458,496

St. Canice’s Grant 29,521 31,743

Community & Voluntary Support Grant 20,000 10,000

The Probation Service 12,400 12,800

Lottery Respite Grant 37,278 20,151

Lottery Gatekeeper Grant 12,500 2,000

Other grants 7,060 12,500

ESB Electric Aid 5,000 -

Irish Prison Services 10,000 2,700

National Suicide Prevention Grant 63,000 13,700

1,359,683 1,320,319

9: RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN MEMBERS’ FUNDS _ b [ _ _ b [ [n n9,433

Opening members’ funds 542,973 593,220

Closing members’ funds 552,406 542,973

10: ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS C 9 2 3 4 3 NT : F : 3 < 2 > : 5 ? > F @ 5 4 3 NT : F : 3 < 2n n nCash at bank and in hand 622,725 93,908 716,633

Net funds 622,725 93,908 716,633

11: LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT

Included in note 8 are details of grants received during the year, the company has received a grant from ‘The Department of

Environment, Community and Local Government’ in line with the ‘Agreement for Funding under the Scheme to Support National

Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector’.

The total amount of this grant received amounts to €50,000, of this €20,000 was received in the year 2012.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND EQUALITY THROUGH THE PROBATION SERVICE

As detailed in note 8, The Department of Justice and Equality through the Probation Service provided current funding in the

amount of €12,400 in 2012. Funding is granted for a 12 month period and paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the

funding agreement. The funding is restricted to deliver GROW programme in Arbour Hill.

5756


12: FUNDRAISING, DONATIONS AND OTHER INCOME _ b [ _ _ b [ [n nSecret bag 26,868 28,757

Fundraising 35,014 31,104

Church Gate & Flag Days 58,200 58,698

120,082 118,559

Interest 5,189 5,484

Literature 11,088 13,874

Building Donation 289,959 -

Donations 20,111 18,791

326,347 38,149

BUILDING DONATION

Grow in Ireland received a donation from the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am Fund totalling €300,000 to secure a 895 year

lease on a building in Limerick. €289,959 was received during the year and this money was used to fund the cost of securing the

purchase of assets or the cost of any building work carried out in relation to the building being used by the charity.

13: RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED FUNDING 2012 E 3 < @ X 2 r s t u v w x y z { u U R ; 9 F R 5 |6 R 3 G 4 3 N 1 2 7 : 4 F 5 n n nB 2 5 7 ; 4 < 7 2 G 6 R 3 G 4 3 NHSE 1,192,445 1,294,272

National Suicide Prevention Grant 63,000 58,879 4,121

The Probation Service 12,400 12,009 391

Irish Prison Services 10,000 11,130

Community & Voluntary Support Grant 20,000 20,000 0

Lottery Respite Grant 37,278 80,726

Lottery Gatekeeper Grant 12,500 12,500 0

ESB Electric Aid 5,000 10,993

Building Donation 289,959 289,959 0V @ 7 : F B 2 5 7 ; 4 < 7 2 G 6 R 3 G 4 3 N1,642,582 1,790,468 } 3 ; 2 5 7 ; 4 < 7 2 G 6 R 3 G 4 3 N

Fundraising and donations 163,540 6,211 157,329V @ 7 : F O @ ; 7 ? 2 e 2 : ;1,806,122 1,796,679 9,443

14: COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

The company is one limited by guarantee not having a share capital. The liability of each member, in the event of the company

being wound up is €25.40

15: ACCOUNTING PERIODS

The current accounts are for a full year. The comparative accounts are for a full year.

16: APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5958

Detailed income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 December 2012 THIS PAGE DOES NOT FORM PART OF THE STATUTORY ACCOUNTS. _ b [ _ _ b [ [m @ 7 2 5 n nHSE

^1,192,445 1,246,468

Lottery and Other Grants ^

167,238 73,851

Fundraising [ _

120,082 118,559

Interest [ _

5,189 5,484

Literature [ _

11,088 13,874

Building Donation [ _

289,959 -

Donations [ _

20,111 18,791

1,806,112 1,477,027P Q 9 2 3 G 4 7 R ; 2Wages and salaries 905,889 937,520

Equipment written off on purchase 11,255 8,975

Fundraising expenses 6,211 8,411

Rent & rates 45,714 63,722

Insurance 8,035 8,224

Light and heat 9,986 10,210

Group expenses 49,964 73,318

Repairs and renewals 4,859 17,867

Staff recruitment 10,063 2,280

Respite weekends 36,365 23,876

31,896 32,307

Training 27,212 22,728

Telephone & installation of new systems 26,697 30,482

Computer costs 34,683 16,223

Grow Programme Literature 19,467 10,479

Travel expenses 171,813 190,440

Regional team expenses 10,807 8,228

Executive expenses 8,988 6,014

Legal & Professional Fees 17,749 13,504

PR & advertising 17,879 23,300

Audit fees 6,135 6,085

Bank charges 1,868 1,820

Canteen 2,346 2,460

Subscriptions 9,422 8,801

Building expenses [ _

289,959 -

Research expenses 6,500 -

Web and social media development 17,552 -

Strategic review 7,365 -

1,796,679 1,527,274

Income 1,806,112 1,477,027


9,433

My experience with GROW was

very uplifting. I have become more

sociable and have a better understanding

of my mental health. I value the GROW

Program. The focus and the confidentiality

agreement was greatly appreciated from

me and I have the utmost respect for my

fellow GROW members

60

“Helping people

help themselves”

www.grow.ie

grow in ireland annual report 2012

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