About Us
About Us - What we do
Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke's vision is a Northern Ireland where chest, heart and stroke illnesses have been substantially reduced and where those affected receive high quality services to meet their needs.
To achieve this, our work is focused in 4 areas: research, advocacy and lobbying, health promotion and care services. All our work is within Northern Ireland. When people donate to NICHS, they know their entire gift will be used for local benefit.
There are 2 NICHS offices. Our Belfast office is at 21 Dublin Road and the North West office is at Spencer Road, Londonderry.
Health Assessments
We have a team of professional nurses who carry out a range of health assessments in the workplace, measuring blood pressure, checking cholesterol and giving lifestyle advice.
Research
We are committed to funding research worth more than £500,000 each year - all of it in Northern Ireland's hospitals and universities.
Respiratory Services
Our Respiratory Support Network is a community based initiative designed to support people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and their families and carers across Northern Ireland.
Cardiac Services
We support the Northern Ireland Cardiac Services Network and its 23 component groups. We are currently campaigning for the introduction of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation service to be made available across Northern Ireland and to end the postcode lottery that currently exists.
Stroke Services
We have a network of 32 stroke schemes across Northern Ireland, including 8 young stroke schemes. These enable survivors to meet with people in a similar situation, while benefitting from a structured programme of activities, including rehabilitation, exercise and information on preventing further strokes.
Carers' Groups
Looking after someone who has had a stroke can be difficult and upsetting - that's why we developed our network of Carers' Groups. They meet monthly and provide information, support and advice.
Self Management - Taking control
-'Taking Control' is a 6-week programme that builds skills, self-confidence and knowledge, enabling people to exercise control over their illness. The aim is to improve emotional and physical well-being and reduce the need for hospital admission.
Health Promotion
Our health promotion department aims to prevent chest, heart and stroke illnesses and encourage healthier lifestyles. We offer a range of services including:
- Aiding homeless people, who are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses.
- A project to improve the health of people in economically deprived areas.
- Our health promotion nurses offer a wide range of preventative services
- We also have a network of over 20 Highway to Health walking routes across
Northern Ireland.
Advice Line
Our Advice Line - 08457 697299 - is for those who have concerns or queries about their own or a loved one's chest, heart, or stroke illness.
Welfare Grants
We offer welfare grants to those who are suffering financial hardship as a result of a chest, heart or stroke illness
Advocacy & Lobbying
We have a long record of speaking out on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland to campaign for better services and improve the lives of those who have chest, heart or stroke illnesses.
Where to Find Us
Our main office is located at 21, Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB or alternatively, our offices in the North West are located at 9-10 Spencer House, 14-22 Spencer Road, Waterside, BT47 6QA. We can be contacted via telephone on Belfast 9032 0184 (for international callers use +44 28 9032 0184). We can be faxed on Belfast 9033 3487 (+44 28 9033 3487), or you can email us using the "contact us" form.




