Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) is marking a significant milestone - 80 years of supporting and improving the lives of people across Northern Ireland.
Founded on 14th June 1946 in response to the tuberculosis crisis at that time, the charity was established with a simple belief that everyone deserves better health, better care and better chances in life. Over the past eight decades the charity has adapted and evolved to meet the changing health needs of the population and today focuses on chest, heart and stroke conditions and illnesses - the leading causes of death and disability in Northern Ireland.
Declan Cunnane, Chief Executive at Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, says; “Marking our 80th anniversary is a moment of pride and reflection. We are extremely proud of everything our charity has achieved over the past eight decades and of the impact we continue to have as Northern Ireland’s leading health charity. At the same time it is deeply concerning that chest, heart and stroke conditions and illnesses remain the biggest causes of death here, particularly when many of these are preventable.”
He continues; “Chest, heart and stroke conditions and illnesses account for 38% of all deaths in Northern Ireland, compared to 27% caused by cancer¹. Many people will find this fact surprising. Today, 40% of our adult population are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition or illness - approximately 600,000 adults. Around 400,000 people have a diagnosis and an estimated 200,000 are living with undiagnosed conditions and illnesses². This is why the work of our charity is so vital.”
NICHS works across four key areas - care, prevention, research and campaigning. The charity provides expert care and support services to people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions while also working to prevent illness by early detection and empowering people to make healthier lifestyle choices. It funds pioneering research into the treatment and prevention of these illnesses and campaigns for improved awareness, care and policy change.
Reflecting on the challenges facing public health in Northern Ireland, Declan says; “Despite the fantastic work of NICHS and the progress made over the last 80 years, there are still significant health challenges facing the people of Northern Ireland today. This is why we recently reviewed our strategic priorities and developed our new 3-year strategy, Live Well Live Longer. This strategy really matters and sets out how we will work over the next three years to help people live longer, healthier lives and address the inequalities that continue to impact life expectancy and quality of life across our communities. It is both a statement of intent and a call to action.”
NICHS is keen to highlight the increasing pressure facing the health and social care system and the vital role of the charity in supporting local communities. Declan adds; “We are working at a time of immense pressure on health and social care services. Waiting lists remain unacceptably long, workforce shortages persist and public finances are constrained. At the same time, demand for support continues to rise as our population ages and more people live longer with complex, long-term conditions and illnesses. As Northern Ireland’s leading health charity we are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between communities and health systems; between prevention and care; between lived experience and policy.”
“Our purpose is clear- to stand with people, communities and partners to prevent chest, heart and stroke illnesses, rebuild lives, campaign for change and challenge health inequalities. We have done this for 80 years and we are committed to continuing this work for many more years.”
“As a charity however almost 90% of our income comes from public donations. The support we receive allows us to provide life-changing care and support services, fund groundbreaking research and work with schools, communities and workplaces to help prevent future chest, heart and stroke illnesses. None of this work would be possible without our staff, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters and we are extremely grateful to every one of them. We are also proud of the fact that every pound raised for our charity stays within Northern Ireland to help improve local lives.”
To mark its 80th anniversary, NICHS is running its ‘We’re here’ campaign celebrating the charity’s legacy in Northern Ireland while highlighting the ongoing impact of chest, heart and stroke conditions here. Declan explains; “Many people will be surprised to learn that Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke has been supporting local people for 80 years. Through our ‘We’re here’ campaign we want to celebrate that heritage while also highlight the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”
“We are here in communities across Northern Ireland every day, delivering essential care and prevention services that are making a real difference. Last year alone, over 36,000 people and organisations benefitted from our Care and Health Promotion services; we supported research studies through £1.8 million in funding; we played an instrumental role in campaigning for the Tobacco and Vapes Act which recently became law. We are doing everything we can to change the reality that chest, heart and stroke conditions and illnesses are the biggest killers of local people.”
Declan concludes; "At NICHS we are very proud of our past but as we celebrate our 80th anniversary, our focus is firmly on the future. This milestone is an opportunity to highlight the vital role our charity continues to play in protecting and improving the health of the people of Northern Ireland. There is still much work to do, but everyone at Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke is committed to helping local people live well and live longer, now and for generations to come.”
