Who we are

Staff	NICHS TEAM  Management Committee	Patrons
Jackie Chalk Karen Scott Nuala Devenny Nigel Fyffe Joe Walsh	Kev Head Johan Beckers Emily DeDakis Tara Nellins Raymond O' Regan Stephanie Harmar-Smith	Nick Ross The most Reverend Doctor Robin  Eames Archbishop Sean Brady Reverend Harold Good OBE Lady Elizabeth Bloomfield Barry Mcguigan Nuala McKeever

 

NICHS is one of the longest established community relations youth Projects in Northern Ireland.  Over the past 40 years we have grown and developed our Projects to meet the changing needs of the young people we work with.  During our most recent history we have experienced such a massive change in the context in which we work.  The huge political strides which culminated in the setting up of the New Assembly in 2007 had a major impact on our work.

 

The legacy of the Troubles is the marginalisation of our communities which young people consider their safe haven.  Each generation of young people continue to be indoctrinated by family and peers who remain embittered by their own experiences.  The majority of young people in Northern Ireland still live in segregated communities and attend separate schools.  They rarely have an opportunity to meet.  There are few chances for them to question others’ views or perceptions.  There is no opportunity to confront the prejudice, distrust and fear of another culture or tradition.  NICHS is committed to working with these young people to provide them with the opportunity to develop their understanding and a respect for themselves, for others and for their communities.  NICHS programmes give young people the confidence to step outside the confines and perceived safety of their own communities.

  

For all our Projects the intrinsic aim is the same; to work with young people to build trust, understanding and tolerance and to take learning to the widest audience possible.  At the same time we give responsibility to communities by acting as a catalyst in helping them to develop sustainable partnerships.  This is the only way forward to a shared future without the constraints of division.

 

Since 1972 NICHS has worked with more than 16,000 young people which, without doubt, had a huge impact on the move to a more peaceful society in Northern Ireland.