Driven by People, Powered by Partnership

We work side-by-side with families, health services, and local organisations to create lasting change

A group of six people smiling in a garden.

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.

Green bench with "NICHE" written on the back.

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

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Jane O’Flynn

Executive Director

021 4300135

086 035 2383

jane.oflynn
@nicheonline.ie

Smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a blazer.

Carmel Murphy

Office Administrator

021 4300135

086 076 2453

carmel
@nicheonline.ie

Smiling woman wearing a white sweater, seated comfortably.

Paula Casey

Senior Community Health Worker

021 4300135

086 076 2452

paula
@nicheonline.ie

Smiling woman wearing a blue jacket against a dark background.

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

Woman smiling in a blue jacket against a foggy background.

Yvonne Tsang

Community Gardener

021 4300135

086 076 2448

yvonne
@nicheonline.ie

Man with a beard wearing a gray beanie and jacket.

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.

Our Partners

HSE logo featuring stylized green waves.
Cork City Council logo featuring red towers and a ship.