About Us

The Northern Ireland Health Collective provides a collective voice for Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations working in health, social care, and community wellbeing across Northern Ireland

Our mission is to foster collaboration, drive advocacy, and improve health outcomes by uniting the expertise of VCSE organisations and partnering effectively with government and statutory bodies.

This new initiative represents a significant step forward providing a collective voice, thought leadership, research and education for health-focused voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations across Northern Ireland.

Our Story

The NIHC grew out of the CO3 Health Special Interest Group, a pioneering coalition established in 2017 to support VCSE leaders in health and social care. Rooted in years of advocacy, collaboration, and research, the NIHC represents the culmination of sector-wide engagement and a shared vision for a healthier Northern Ireland. Grounded in robust evidence from our 2024 scoping study, we bring together organisations to ensure a cohesive and impactful voice.

What We Do At the NIHC, we:

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Advocate

We advocate strategically for the VCSE sector within the Integrated Care System and the wider health & social care system in Northern Ireland

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Educate

We educate public and statutory bodies on the essential contributions of VCSE organisations.

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Support

We support our members with resources, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

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Collaborate

We collaborate to facilitate partnerships and collective action for better health outcomes.

Why it matters.

Health inequalities and systemic challenges demand innovative solutions. By providing a unified voice and fostering partnerships, the NIHC helps VCSE organisations amplify their impact, enabling them to address pressing health and social care needs effectively. Together, we strive to create a healthier, more equitable Northern Ireland.

Our approach.

Our work is guided by values of inclusivity, collaboration, and evidence-based advocacy. We prioritise wide geographical and thematic representation to ensure every voice is heard and every community is supported. By housing the NIHC within CO3, we leverage established systems, networks, and governance for seamless operations and long-term sustainability. Link to CO3.

Governance.

The NIHC is governed by an Advisory Panel of sector representatives, ensuring transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment. As a division of CO3, we benefit from a strong foundation of robust governance, financial management, and operational expertise, allowing us to focus on delivering transformative outcomes for our members and the communities they serve.

Meet The Team

Gillian Lewis, Head of NI Health Collective

Gillian leads our mission to function as a ‘network of networks,’ enabling representatives from existing groups across Northern Ireland to unite as a significant voice in policymaking to improve health outcomes in the region and act as an essential catalyst for change.

With 27 years experience in the field of public health Gillian has a passion and commitment to addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health equity. Her career commenced with NHS Grampian and extended into the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sectors in Northern Ireland, where she served as Manager in The Resurgam Trust.

Gillian is Co-Chair of the Shadow South-Eastern Area Integrated Partnership Board (AIPB) and was appointed as a Community Representative.

Gillian holds a Masters in Health Service and Public Health Research, and a BSc (Hons) in Social Sciences & Health (specialising in Health Promotion)

She is a passionate advocate of power of relationships, collaborating and networking to make a difference.  Social justice and the drive to ensure fairness and equity of access, outcome and opportunity motivates Gillian in her life and her work

When not working, Gillian spends much valued time with her family and as a lifelong volunteer, she is active in her local community. 

Michelle Chiarello, Project Administrator

Michelle works as part Project Administrator for the NI Health Collective, and part Executive Assistant for CO3. She has an extensive working experience with global and multinational organisations.

She is also an active volunteer of Ten Foundations, a UK-registered social enterprise seeking to empower women living under extreme poverty in the Philippines.

She is a firm believer of every person’s capability to learn and grow at any point in life. Michelle loves to sing, read, write – and when the waters are warm enough, hold her breath and freedive.