The Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland

Public benefits

The Board of Trustees believe that all our purposes satisfy both elements of the public benefit requirement. Purpose one: The direct benefits include the advancement of health, the relief of those in need by reason of disability and the prevention or relief of poverty. There is also a direct public benefit as efforts to achieve the eradication of

the disease, leprosy, increase. All activities are done in line with the Christian ethos of the organisation which seeks to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to provide Christian teaching and pastoral care, where appropriate, for the benefit of persons affected by leprosy. These benefits can be demonstrated through global activity reports and statistics. The beneficiaries are people affected by leprosy and their families. There is the potential for harm in the use of Thalidomide in certain circumstances when treating severe ENL (erythema nodosum leprosum) reactions in leprosy affected patients. This is mitigated through having rigorous policies and procedures in place for the use of the drug and the monitoring of any patient receiving it. A private benefit may be to the pharmaceutical company who provides the medication for leprosy affected individuals. The medication is provided free of charge although the company may receive increased public awareness. A private gain could also be the professional development and payment of staff within hospitals and other institutions that provide services to those effected by leprosy. These benefits are incidental and are necessary to ensure that the charitable purpose is achieved. Purpose two: The direct benefit is an increased awareness amongst the public about leprosy and the charitable work of The Leprosy Mission around the world. This benefit will be demonstrated through internal activity reports on engagement opportunities and feedback from groups. The beneficiaries are the population of Northern Ireland, who attend public events and speaking engagements which The Leprosy Mission staff and volunteers facilitate. There may be an increased risk to staff and volunteers as they travel to meet with and facilitate groups and attend speaking engagements. This risk will be mitigated through staff training and associated policies and procedures being in place. It is considered necessary to achieve the benefit of this purpose. Purpose three: The direct benefit is increased engagement opportunities for people who seek to be actively involved in the activities of the mission. This benefit will be demonstrated through internal activity reports on numbers of supporters involved and feedback from individuals and groups. The benefits are provided to those members of the public who respond to requests for support and sign up for volunteering opportunities and to receive regular prayer updates and information. There is potential harm in sending volunteers to different parts of the world. However this will be mitigated through having policies in place to protect them and is necessary to achieve elements of the purpose. A private benefit may be to a travel company who facilitates the movement of volunteers abroad. There may also be a private benefit to any volunteer who could use their experience to develop personally and therefore enhance their employment prospects. These benefits are incidental and are necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to beneficiaries. Purpose four: The direct benefit is the advancement of human rights and equality for those individuals, and their families, affected by leprosy who are disadvantaged and stigmatized as a result of leprosy or disability caused by the disease. This benefit will be demonstrated through global internal activity reports. The Board of Trustees consider there to be no harm to the public as a result of this purpose. A private benefit may be to individuals who gain professional experience as a result of their role. Any benefits are incidental and necessary

What your organisation does

The Leprosy Mission in Northern Ireland engages and educates people to help resource and support the work in leprosy affected countries.