Our Vision
That all people in Knocknaheeny, Hollyhill and surrounding areas can live full and healthy lives.
Our Mission
To involve the local community in meaningful partnerships with NICHE and others to develop actions which improve and sustain health and wellbeing outcomes.
Our Model
Adopting a capacity building model, NICHE Project aims to improve health and wellbeing by engaging and supporting communities through collaborative partnerships with individuals, groups, and other agencies and organisations.
Our Story
NICHE Health Project began in 1999 as a grassroots response to health inequalities in Cork’s Northside. Rooted in the communities of Knocknaheeny and Hollyhill, NICHE was built on the belief that people thrive when they are empowered to take part in shaping their own health and wellbeing. What started as a small community initiative has grown into a vibrant, multi-service organisation deeply embedded in local life.
From its early years, NICHE focused on connection, participation, and partnership. Over the decades, it has expanded to offer a wide range of programs including parenting supports, social prescribing, a thriving Family Centre, and a growing Community Garden. Our work reflects the real needs of local people – and it’s shaped by their voices.
NICHE continues to lead through collaboration with residents, healthcare providers, local authorities, and schools. Whether it’s supporting someone through a referral, running a creative group, or growing food in the garden, we focus on the whole person – body, mind, and community.
Today, NICHE is more than a place – it’s a shared space of belonging, care, and action. Together, we’re building a healthier, more connected future for everyone.
Our Journey at NICHE
This timeline shares our key moments that shaped who we are today – guided by local voices, built on shared values, and always rooted in care.
January
1999
Listening to the Community
NICHE began as a conversation – between neighbours, health workers, and local leaders in Cork’s Northside who believed health should start where people live, grow, and belong.
October
2000
Building Trust and Foundations
We launched small, community-led programmes: women’s groups, parenting courses, and mental health talks – all shaped by what residents told us they needed.
March
2005
A Place to Call Home
NICHE found a permanent base on Harbour View Road. For the first time, people had a dedicated space to gather, share, learn, and access support under one roof.
September
2007
Opening the Family Centre
Responding to local demand, we opened our Family Centre to offer child development support, parenting workshops, and a safe space for families to connect.
May
2010
Welcoming the Men’s Shed
Recognising the need to support men’s mental health and social connection, we created the NICHE Men’s Shed – a place to build projects, friendships, and self-confidence.
April
2014
Growing Our Garden
We broke ground on the NICHE Community Garden – not just for growing food, but for growing wellbeing, connection, and peace of mind.
February
2017
Caring Through Holistic Therapies
Massage, reflexology, and relaxation therapies were added to support physical and emotional wellbeing – accessible to all.
September
2019
Celebrating 20 Years of Community Health
NICHE marks 20 years of community-led health and wellbeing in Cork’s Northside. Events, exhibitions, and community gatherings celebrate our journey, honour the people who built it, and look forward to a future shaped by care, inclusion, and collective strength.
March
2020
Holding the Community Through COVID
When the world shut down, NICHE stepped up: delivering food, making check-in calls, and adapting every service to keep people connected and supported.
September
2022
Reaching Further, Connecting Deeper
NICHE became a host organisation for a Social Prescribing Link Worker. Our Social Prescriber helps individuals access local wellbeing supports and services.
January
2024
Deepening Our Roots in Community
As NICHE entered its 25th year, we renewed our focus on what matters most – building trust, strengthening connections, and making services more accessible to all. New partnerships, expanded programmes, and a growing team helped us reach more people than ever before.
Our Board of Trustees
-
Prof. Ivan Perry
Chairman
-
Eileen Collins
Treasurer
-
Robert Sheehan
Director
-
Angela Kalaitzake
Secretary
-
Michelle O'Sullivan
Member
-
Edel Burke
Member
Our Team Members

Jane O’Flynn
Executive Director
021 4300135
086 035 2383
jane.oflynn
@nicheonline.ie

Carmel Murphy
Office Administrator
021 4300135
086 076 2453
carmel
@nicheonline.ie

Paula Casey
Senior Community Health Worker
021 4300135
086 076 2452
paula
@nicheonline.ie

Maria Barry
Community Health Worker
021 4300135
086 142 3028
maria
@nicheonline.ie

Aleesha Wiegandt
Community Health Worker
021 4300135
086 076 2450
aleesha
@nicheonline.ie

Paul Griffin
Community Health Worker
.
Men’s Shed Coordinator
021 4300135
086 772 6101
paul
@nicheonline.ie

Yvonne Tsang
Community Gardener
021 4300135
086 076 2448
yvonne
@nicheonline.ie

Stephen Comerford
Maintenance Worker
021 4300135

Norma Roche
Social Prescribing Link Worker
021 4300135
086 014 7504
socialprescribing
@nicheonline.ie
Welcome to Our Spaces
Explore the spaces where NICHE comes to life. Each place serves as a hub for connection, support, and growth – welcoming everyone with care, purpose, and belonging.








