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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
Mosaic Centre, Harlequin Plaza,
Garvey Way, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
094 902 6417
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
Co-ordinators & Administrators)
• 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
ACTIVITIES• Regular Group socials
• 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
• 1 Part-time Administrator
NUMBER OF GROW GROUPS• Community Groups: 10
• 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
33 Henry Street, Limerick
061 318 813
TRAINING
Co-ordinators & Administrators)
• 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
ACTIVITIES• Regular Group socials
• 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
• 1 Full-time Area Co-ordinator
• 1 Part-time Area Co-ordinator
• 1 Part-time Administrator
NUMBER OF GROW GROUPS• Community Groups: 8
• Day Care Centre Groups: 7
• Hospital Groups: 1
• Orientations: 2V @ 7 : F Z [ ^ STAFFRegional Manager: James Quilligan
Regional Chairperson: Rob Stephen
• 3 Part-time Area Co-ordinator
• 1 Part-time Administrator
NUMBER OF GROW GROUPS• Community Groups: 14
• Day Centre Groups: 3
• Orientations: 2V @ 7 : F Z [ ]
3534
south east region
southern region
Ormonde Home, Barrack Street,
Kilkenny
056 776 1624
1st Floor, 34 Grand Parade, Cork
021 427 7520
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
• 2 Full-time Area Co-ordinator
• 1 Part-time Area Co-Ordinator
• 1 Part-time Administrator
• CE Scheme 3
NUMBER OF GROW GROUPS• Community Groups: 18
• Special Groups: 3
• Orientations: 2V @ 7 : F Z _ ` STAFFRegional Manager: James Quilligan
Regional Chairperson: Mary Brennan
• 4 Part-time Area Co-ordinator
• 1 Part-time Administrator
NUMBER OF GROW GROUPS• Community Groups: 16
• 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
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
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
Expenditure 1,796,679
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
North west deposit account 31,047 30,000
North west deposit account 20,475 30,000
Midlands deposit account 58,881 56,884
293,667 355,851
5554
notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 CONTINUED
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
notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 CONTINUED
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
Expenditure 1,796,679
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