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.