ANNUAL REPORT 2014

AT THE HEART OF

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF ACCORD BISHOP DENIS NULTY 1 ACCORD PERSONNEL 2 ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO 3 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES 5 WHAT COUPLES SAY ABOUT ACCORD COURSES 6 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COUPLE DEMOGRAPHICS 7 COUNSELLING (MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS) 9 COUNSELLING - CLIENTS DEMOGRAPHIC 10 COUNSELLING - PRESENTING PROBLEMS 11 INCOME 12 EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR ACCORD CENTRAL OFFICE 13 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FROM AGGREGATED SET OF AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE ACCORD CENTRES OUTSIDE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DUBLIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND 15

CONTENTS

ACCORD CENTRES IN IRELAND

WWW.ACCORD.IE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF ACCORD I write this foreword to our Annual Report for 2014 just four weeks before the commencement of the Fourteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome on 4th October, on the theme The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and the Contemporary World. The upcoming Synod will reflect further on the subjects discussed at last year’s Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with a view to formulating pastoral guidelines for the pastoral care of the person and the family. I thank the members of ACCORD in every centre for contributing to the preparatory dialogue held at diocesan level, leading to the Irish Church’s composite contribution to the upcoming Synod. It was very important for me that the voice and experience of ACCORD would speak loudly in the pre-Synod preparation period. Pope Francis has said in advance of next month’s Synod that the Church “needs prayers, not gossip” and he appealed in particular to those “who feel alienated or are not accustomed to praying” to pray for the success of the Synod as the participants deliberate on the many difficult issues facing families in these challenging times.

And so over the coming weeks and for its duration, I invite all in the ACCORD family to join with me in praying daily for the success of the Synod and for wisdom, insight and understanding for those attending it. May the Holy Spirit enkindle in them the fire of Divine love as they seek to renew the face of the earth and help us encounter Christ more fully in our homes and families.

Understandably, 2014 was another challenging year for ACCORD. In the midst of ongoing austerity and uncertainty – not least financially – you, the members and staff of ACCORD, continued to provide education, support and hope to over 60,000 of our people through your work in schools, with couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage and with individuals and couples experiencing tensions and difficulties in their marriage and relationships.

On my own behalf, and on behalf of my brother bishops, thank you for your ongoing professional and compassionate pastoral outreach on behalf of the Church in the service of marriage and family life on the island of Ireland. A special word of thanks too to your families and friends whose generosity makes it possible for you to remain committed to this important work.

In conclusion, heartfelt thanks to my predecessor Bishop Christopher Jones, retired Bishop of Elphin, for his inspirational leadership of ACCORD since 2009. My thanks too to the National Executive Committee, Centre executives, the staff in Central Office and in Centres nationwide, for your hard work and effort in leading and managing the activities of ACCORD in these stressful times, within a framework of best practice in the interest of both the members of the organisation and those we are privileged to serve. As we continue our travels together, may we do so with renewed faith, hope and love; and may we never fail to help support those on the journey towards marriage, or already married, to grow in their love for each other, for God, their neighbour, and for themselves. Beir bua agus beannacht, +Denis Nulty Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin and President of ACCORD

“The family is important, and it is necessary for

the survival of humanity. Without the family, the

cultural survival of the human race would be at

risk. The family, whether we like it or not, is the

foundation” (Pope Francis 2013)

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Met on eight occasions in 2014)

Bishop Christopher Jones (to October 2014) Mary MacLynn

Bishop Denis Brennan Fr. Peter Murphy

Bishop Denis Nulty Maria O’Connor (to September 2014)

Nancy St. John, Chairperson Des Macauley

Harry Casey Gordon Nicholl

Deirdre O’Rawe Eugene Mellett (to November 2014)

Gerry Guinnane (to July 2014) Patricia McGurk

Mary Murphy Yvonne Cronin (from February 2014)

Marie Hackett Tony Shanahan (from October 2014)

Jim Lamplugh Breda Landy-Horgan, Minute Secretary

John O’Donovan (to October 2014)

Barbara Gilroy

CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF

Harry Casey, Co-ordinating the work of ACCORD Stephen Cummins, Director of Education (to 31 Jan 14)

Fr. Peter Murphy, National Chaplain Mary Johnston, Clinical Specialist, Counselling

Maureen Warren, Finance & Administration Anne Coleman, Clinical Specialist, Marriage Education

Breda Landy-Horgan, P.A. & Staff Officer Doreen Mulvaney, Secretary to Counselling Dept.

Ann O’Mahony, Accounts Administrator Carla Brennan, Secretary to Counselling Dept.

Marie Carroll, Web Administrator Aisling Madden, Secretary to Education Dept.

REGIONAL OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Barbara Gilroy - Dublin John McNally - South West (to 31 Jan 2014)

Deirdre O’Rawe - Northern Ireland Gerry Guinnane - Central (to 5th July 2014)

Yvonne Cronin - RO to January 2014 / Diocesan Liaison Officer From 1 February 2014

AUDITOR BANKERS

Henry Murray & Company, Lurgan

Bank of Ireland 43 Lower Drumcondra Road Dublin 9

CHARITABLE STATUS NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE STAFF

Revenue Commissioners / Charities Regulatory Authority Deirdre O’Rawe, Regional Director

Charity Reg. No. 20014100 Brenda Russell, Administrator

ACCORD PERSONNEL 2014

PRESIDENT

Bishop Denis Nulty DD

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ACCORD MARRIAGE CARE - WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

“The importance of the family for the life and well-being of society entails a particular

responsibility for society to support and strengthen marriage and the family” (Catechism of the Catholic Church n.2210)

ACCORD, established by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, is an all island body with

locations throughout the Catholic dioceses of Ireland. Its first centre was established in

Belfast in 1962. Today ACCORD has over 900 committed members working in 55 local

centres (46 in the Republic of Ireland and 9 in Northern Ireland) to support stable family

relationships and assist with providing a healthy and safe home environment for

individuals, couples, parents and their children to grow and flourish in.

ACCORD’s two main areas of work are 1) Marriage Preparation Courses and 2) Counselling

(Marriage and Relationships) delivered by professionally trained part-voluntary/part-paid

facilitators and counsellors. In 2014, 56% of ACCORD’s services were delivered on a

voluntary basis. ACCORD offers all its services to people based on their needs and not on

their ability to pay. In addition, approximately 36,000 students participate annually in

ACCORD’s Relationship and Sexuality Education schools programmes.

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Facilitator Training is validated by the Pontifical University, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth

FACILITATOR GRADUATION CLASS - SEPTEMBER 2014

Building on the concept of education, prevention and early intervention, ACCORD

believes that Marriage Preparation has a positive and constructive impact on couples as

they embark on what is the most important and biggest commitment of a lifetime. The

ACCORD Marriage Preparation Course is entitled Marriage, A Journey not a Destination.

In 2014, ACCORD delivered 694 marriage preparation courses to 15,504 individuals.

Couples contribute approximately €120 - €200 towards the cost of marriage preparation

courses, depending on location. These courses are multi-sessional and are of nine hours

duration. They can be delivered over 2 days or 4 nights and focus on family of origin and

self-awareness, barriers to good communication, how to manage conflict effectively,

understanding commitment and the Sacrament of Marriage, sexuality and intimacy, and

good parenting.

Significantly, couples who attend our Marriage Preparation Courses learn first hand about

ACCORD’s counselling service and the concept of seeking early support if and when

difficulties arise, better at the ‘pinch’ rather than at the ‘crunch’ stage.

ACCORD sees its investment in Marriage Preparation Courses akin to a capital investment

from which significant returns flow for the participating couples and their children. By

investing in relationships families are strengthened, parents become better at parenting,

children benefit, their self esteem is enhanced, they grow in self confidence, their rights

are promoted and respected, and all of society benefits.

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MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES

15,504 PERSONS ATTENDED ACCORD MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES

694 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES PROVIDED

IN 55 CENTRES THROUGHOUT IRELAND

35,997 ATTENDED ACCORD’S SCHOOLS PROGRAMMES

20 MARRIAGE FACILITATORS COMPLETED TRAINING

314 TRAINED COURSE FACILITATORS ON OUR TEAM

A SNAPSHOT OF MARRIAGE EDUCATION IN 2014

:

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WHAT COUPLES SAY ABOUT ACCORD COURSES

My fiancé and I just completed our pre marriage course. I just wanted to email to let

you know what a positive experience we found it. Our facilitators were brilliant. We

both felt that we learned so much about ourselves and our relationship over the two

days. I would highly recommend the course to others. We feel the course has

brought us closer together.

We attended a Pre Marriage Course last weekend. We really enjoyed it and found it

very informative. It was fantastic! The facilitators were so professional, warm and

excellent at delivering the course. On Saturday afternoon the priest who presented

the Church/Sacrament module was incredible. We both really enjoyed the course

and learned a lot from it.

The course was well organised and informative. The topics were relevant and dealt

with in a very professional way.

Excellent course, delighted we attended. Lots of food for thought! I came to the

course with an open mind and really enjoyed the experience. I thought we had dis-

cussed most issues, but I was wrong. There are certain aspects of our relationship

which need to be discussed further.

“

“ “

“

Blessing of Engaged Couple in Whitefriar Street Church on St. Valentine’s Day

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MARRIAGE PREPARATION COUPLE DEMOGRAPHICS

MARITAL STATUS EDUCATION

Single 88.5% No Formal Education 0.1%

Annulled & Divorced 0.6% Primary Level 0.4%

Widowed 0.1% Secondary Level 20.7%

Not Specified 10.8% Third Level 67.4%

Not Specified 11.4%

YEARS COUPLES HAVE BEEN IN RELATIONSHIP OCCUPATION

0-2 Years 8.6% Professional / Managerial 53.3%

3-5 Years 32.8% Skilled/Clerical 14.0%

6-10 Years 37.1% Semi/Unskilled 3.1%

11+ Years 8.9% Unemployed 1.7%

Not Specified 12.6% Home Duties/Full Time Parent 1.9%

Self-Employed 6.5%

Student/Retired/Other 8.5%

Not Specified 11.0%

CHILDEN FROM CURRENT RELATIONSHIP COUPLE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Co-habiting 65.0% Yes 15.0%

Not Co-Habiting 34.2% No 84.2%

Not Specified 0.8% Not Specified 0.8%

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Counsellor Training is validated by the Pontifical University, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth

COUNSELLOR GRADUATION CLASS - SEPTEMBER 2014

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COUNSELLING (MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS)

In 2014, ACCORD delivered 46,656 counselling hours (38,880 sessions) to 9,233 clients. Over

6,300 families were impacted by ACCORD’s counselling service, with those attending for

counselling being parents to 13,832 children within the age range 0-18 years.

ACCORD’s 331 counsellors are trained to professional standards to work with individuals and

couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage and relationships. When a couple comes to

ACCORD they are often very distressed. The problems they present with comprise a broad

range of issues including communication difficulties, conflict, domestic abuse, financial

pressures, childcare and family stresses, intimacy issues, infidelity, addiction and sexual

issues.

ACCORD counsellors support individuals and couples to develop new insights about

themselves and their relationship and also ways of managing conflict and challenging issues

constructively, thus benefitting their relationship, their children and family life.

ACCORD recognises the existence of domestic abuse in society and trains all of its counsellors

to identify and work appropriately with individuals and couples where domestic abuse is an

issue, in the interests of the safety of children and adults.

ACCORD also recognises that the safeguarding of children is paramount and any concern

about the safety and welfare of a child is reported promptly to the civil authorites. ACCORD

has a robust Child Safeguarding Policy on which all members receive training and regular

updates. In 2014, ACCORD dealt with over 140 child safeguarding issues. ACCORD requires its

members to be vetted for their work.

46,656 COUNSELLING HOURS (38,880 SESSIONS) PROVIDED

9,233 PERSONS ATTENDED COUNSELLING

IN 55 CENTRES THROUGHOUT IRELAND

24 MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLORS COMPLETED TRAINING

29 STUDENT COUNSELLORS CONTINUED TRAINING

342 COUNSELLORS ON THE ACCORD TEAM

A SNAPSHOT OF MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING IN 2014

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MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS

MARITAL STATUS EDUCATION

Single 7.0% Primary Level 2.7%

Co-habiting 12.1% Secondary Level 39.4%

Engaged 3.3% Third Level 50.1%

Married 63.3% Not Specified 7.8%

Separated 8.4%

Annulled/Divorced/Widowed 1.7%

Not Specified 4.2%

HOW PEOPLE HEARD ABOUT ACCORD OCCUPATION

Family, Friends, Colleagues 26.1% Professional / Managerial 27.2%

Internet 17.1% Skilled/Clerical 15.5%

Another ACCORD Service 10.6% Semi/Unskilled 6.1%

Always Knew about ACCORD 9.4% Unemployed 9.2%

Priest/Church 5.0% Home Duties/Full Time Parent 10.3%

Family Doctor/Healthcare 6.6% Self-Employed/Part-Time 10.1%

Print/Radio 4.1% Student/Retired/Other 11.6%

Legal, Don’t Recall & Other 8.6% Not Specified 10.0%

Not Specified 12.5%

RELIGION PREVIOUS COUNSELLING

Catholic 80.3% Yes 21.2%

Other Christian 5.7% No 78.8%

Other Faith 2.0%

None 5.9%

Not Specified 6.3%

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Presenting Problems

Rated 1-2 (Highly Relevant)

Rated 3-4 (Relevant)

Rated 5 (Not Relevant)

Not Specified

Communication: Criticisms & Insults

51.3% 27.8% 16.2% 4.7%

Communication: Not Listening/Ignoring

58.2% 25.3% 11.8% 4.7%

Conflict

54.1% 23.2% 12.2% 10.5%

Anxiety / Stress

58.2% 24.2% 7.7% 9.8%

Emotional Abuse

34.2% 23.5% 34.5% 7.8%

Sexual Issues

39.2% 22.7% 30.5% 7.6%

Intimacy Issues

48.8% 23.8% 20.5% 6.9%

Infidelity

18.8% 8.1% 62.5% 10.7%

Separation

39.7% 18.3% 32.5% 9.5%

Finance

37.7% 26.6% 27.9% 7.8%

Depression

23.8% 26.5% 34.2% 15.5%

Childcare & Home Duties

27.1% 24.3% 39.6% 9.0%

Culture & Beliefs

9.5% 12.9% 64.5% 13.0%

Grief & Loss

29.5% 16.5% 44.5% 9.6%

Internet

14.8% 15.5% 59.2% 10.6%

Phone / Texting

19.9% 16.7% 53.3% 10.1%

Alcohol

16.6% 14.6% 58.8% 10.0%

Drugs

4.3% 3.2% 80.3% 12.2%

Gambling

3.1% 3.5% 80.9% 12.5%

Extended Family

29.3% 19.9% 42.0% 8.8%

MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING - PRESENTING PROBLEMS

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INCOME

The Catholic Church in Ireland each year provides important support for the delivery of ACCORD’s services. This support includes moneys obtained through diocesan collections and the provision of low or rent free premises in some dioceses, alongside other such benefits in kind and is calculated to be in the region of €1.2m. ACCORD thanks the Irish Bishops for their ongoing generous support. In 2010, ACCORD in the ROI received Government grant aid of €3.456 million from the Family Support Agency (now Tusla, Child and Family Agency). In 2014, the grant aid received was €1.992 million – a cut of over 42%. ACCORD NI in 2014 received £157,080 grant aid. ACCORD is grateful for the financial support it receives from Tusla, Child and Family Agency, the DHSSPS NI and various Trusts in Northern Ireland for their ongoing financial support. A report published in January 2014 entitled Relationship Support Interventions and Evaluation, conducted on behalf of the UK Department of Education, commended UK government investment and commitment to relationship support interventions, recognising that providing support for parents’ relationship, and preventing breakdown where possible, will produce financial and emotional benefits for their children as well as themselves. ACCORD contends that a similar picture would emerge here in Ireland if such a study were to be undertaken. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/275240/RR315_-_Relationship_Support_Interventions_Evaluation_210114.pdf Another report, again conducted in the UK, entitled Counting the Cost of Family Failure 2014 Update, researched by the Relationships Foundation, Cambridge, cites failed relationships costing each current UK taxpayer Stg£1,562 per year. The overall cost to government is incredibly high at Stg£45.76 billion annually. http://www.relationshipsfoundation.org/category/publications/reports/ ACCORD is committed to continuing to provide a vital community service. Its voluntary input, together with significant infrastructure, robust oversight and professionally trained members, enable it to offer local support to vulnerable families and children in an efficient, professional and cost effective manner.

Check 2014 link

ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE – “ACCORD”

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 2014

INCOME 2014 2013 Contribution from Irish Episcopal Conference 20,000.00 20,000.00

Contribution from Diocesan Centres 79,836.31 88,978.26

Grant from Tusla 701,800.00 832,200.00

Grant from Health Service Executive 29,358.12 36,243.20

Selection, Training & Courses 125,073.49 151,423.83

Publicity Campaign Contribution from Centres 85,615.78 93,771.93

Printing & Promotional Contribution from Centres 65,986.64 70,745.87

Professional Indemnity & National Insurance Policy 19,273.22 20,061.24

Interest Received 76.69 592.40

Client / Other Contributions 5,000.00 1,075.00

Donations 100.00 1,050.00

Sundry Income 2,731.97 4,038.54

1,134,852.22 1,320,180.27

EXPENDITURE

Remuneration & PRSI 631,248.28 854,082.11

Conferences, Meetings & Courses 4,119.98 3,127.06

Publicity, Website Development and Advertising 85,767.30 96,995.95

Stationery, Printing & Office Supplies 58,211.98 76,311.40

Travelling, Subsistence & Allied Expenses 34,920.47 41,553.53

Building & IT Support Services 52,518.14 59,844.23

Tusla Compliance Review Costs 20,094.00 19,260.00

Counsellor / Facilitator Selection & Training Expenses 59,888.75 73,522.90

Postage & Telephone 19,503.66 24,559.57

Insurance 24,464.89 24,117.37

Building Rent 21,872.73 22,472.73

Exchange Loss/Gain -3,628.94 -35.63

Audit and Accountancy Services 20,724.00 18,968.00

Legal & Professional Expenses 10,500.00 21,053.00

Tutors’ & Supervisors’ Expenses & Training 2,129.49 907.50

Subscriptions 14,062.44 13,481.93

Computer Training & Maintenance 1,174.01 907.41

Depreciation 2,454.04 -

Hosting Expenses 177.50 65.00

Bank Interest & Charges 1,175.42 2,747.18

General Expenses 4,673.08 3,083.97

1,066,051.22 1,357,025.14

SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) FOR YEAR 68,801.00 -36,844.87

EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR ACCORD CENTRAL OFFICE

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2014 2013 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 68,801.00 -36,844.87

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

Redundancies - 56,408.00

Holiday Pay Accrual - 42,773.00

Additional Funding - -50,789.00

68,801.00 48,392.00

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 68,801.00 -85,236.87

DATE: 26th May 2015

Bishop Denis Nulty

DATE: 26th May 2015

Nancy St. John (Chairperson of NEC)

EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR ACCORD CENTRAL OFFICE CONTINUED

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FROM THE AGGREGATED SET OF AUDITED

ACCOUNTS FOR ACCORD CENTRES OUTSIDE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DUBLIN

& NORTHERN IRELAND

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2014

2014 2013

Diocesan Grant / Contributions 170,671.00 117,086.00

Tusla 842,900.00 999,500.00 Health Service Executive Grants 23,665.00 24,455.00

Other Grants 8,640.00 6,876.00

Marriage Preparation Course Income 729,028.00 667,807.00

Counselling Income 296,180.00 324,805.00

Bank Interest 7,451.00 7,378.00

Sundry Income 41,429.00 69,619.00

2,119,964.00 2,217,526.00

EXPENDITURE

Salaries, PRSI 917,655.00 984,979.00

Centre Rent, Rates, Service Charges 148,640.00 140,567.00

Insurances 18,176.00 20,038.00

Light & Heat 39,244.00 39,682.00

Telephone & Postage 43,938.00 53,577.00

Travel & Allied Expenses 142,441.00 175,830.00

Equipment Maintenance 16,726.00 20,501.00

Premises Refurbishment / Maintenance 23,521.00 31,879.00

Selection, Training & Supervision Costs 228,126.00 236,046.00

Course Venues 90,740.00 88,165.00

Printing, Stationery, Advertising 79,394.00 81,142.00

Publicity Costs 52,976.00 88,106.00

Audit & Accountancy 53,761.00 53,021.00

Bank Interest & Fees 8,876.00 9,213.00

Centre Office Levy & Capitation 43,064.00 42,561.00

Hospitality / Functions / Hosting 40,568.00 56,044.00

Professional Fees 4,082.00 4,090.00

Compliance Costs 19,260.00 19,260.00

Depreciation 10,556.00 17,565.00 Sundry Expenses 37,419.00 36,071.00

2,019,163.00 2,198,337.00

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 100,801.00 19,189.00

DATE: 26th May 2015

Harry Casey

Coordinating the Work of ACCORD

DATE: 26th May 2015

Maureen Warren

Finance & Administration Co-Ordinator

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ACCORD Catholic Marriage Care Service, Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: 01-5053112 Email: info@accord.ie Website: www.accord.ie