A Northern Ireland wide ‘NI Health Collective’, launched in January 2025, has marked it’s first anniversary with an event at Hillsborough Castle. The NI Health Collective operates under the auspice of CO3, the body which represents leaders in the Third Sector here, and is funded by the Department of Health and the Dormant Assets Fund which is distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund in partnership with the Department of Finance.
The body was established to facilitate a sustained and informed dialogue and policy exchange between health organisation in Government and the voluntary and community health sector. Today member organisations from across the sector met to review progress and examine the relationship between those groups who are delivering services in the community work and the NI Executive departments.
The voluntary and community sector is facing pressure on many fronts and today’s event included the results of an extensive survey of the views of the community and sector organisations working in the health sphere. The results show that overall there is a significant degree of nervousness in the sector particularly around funding and strategic direction. The survey, carried out by communications and research firm MW Advocate, showed that the majority of respondents see the two years of restored NI Executive as having no change in how they deliver vital services.
Head of the NI Health Collective Gillian Lewis looked back on an eventful first year for the organisation.
“We have brought together almost 1,500 organisations, all of which are delivering health and wellbeing related services to local communities across Northern Ireland. Along with our funders I am keen to highlight the importance of collaboration within our sector. At a time of increased pressure on resources, collaboration has never been more appropriate or necessary.
“Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland could not function without the vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, our dedicated and highly skilled workforce, and the high-quality services delivered with and for communities across the region.
“There has never been a more essential moment for statutory services to demonstrably respect and value this contribution, by working in genuine partnership with our sector to maximise collective capacity and improve health and wellbeing for all. It was important that the Minister heard that message today and in listening to and contributing to our conversation, he is able to contribute to the improved collaboration we are all seeking to achieve.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt attended today’s anniversary event and he said
“I was delighted to attend today’s event and to have the opportunity to look back on the work of the Northern Ireland Health Collective since its launch last January.
“The voluntary, community, and social enterprise sectors have an incredibly important role to play in improving population health and reducing inequalities, working in partnership with my Department, the Health and Social Care system and other Government Departments.
The Collective is supported with funding from the Dormant Assets Northern Ireland Fund, distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund in partnership with the Department of Finance.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“Today’s first anniversary of the NI Health Collective is a significant milestone and a welcome opportunity to reflect on the real progress made in bringing Northern Ireland’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector together around a shared purpose.
“It’s encouraging to see how the Collective has already strengthened collaboration, fostered trusted partnerships and created a stronger, more coherent voice for organisations working to improve health and wellbeing for people in our local communities. We’re proud to support this important work and look forward to seeing what comes next.”
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