The following is an update shared by Victim Support Northern Ireland with Victim Support Europe
On 24 September 2026, Victim Support Northern Ireland marked its 45th anniversary with a special celebration at Parliament Buildings. The event brought together volunteers, staff, trustees, partners, and stakeholders to recognise the organisation’s achievements and celebrate the people who have contributed to Victim Support NI over the past 45 years.
The Justice Minister Naomi Long officially opened the evening, which featured speeches from members of the Board and senior staff, volunteer awards and entertainment. The celebration provided an opportunity to recognise the dedication of those who have supported victims and witnesses across Northern Ireland. The stories of six members of staff and five volunteers, all with more than 20 years of service, highlight the wealth of experience and commitment behind Victim Support NI’s work.
At the heart of those recognised were Patricia McNulty, the organisation’s longest-serving member of staff, who has dedicated more than 27 years to Victim Support NI, and Judy McCormick, one of the organisation’s founding volunteers, who this year marks an extraordinary 45 years of service. Alongside them, long-serving staff members Hazel Derby, Fredia Brown, Julie Ann Rea, Oonagh Doherty and Michelle Porter have each made significant contributions through more than two decades of dedicated service. Their commitment is mirrored by volunteers Sammy Wilson, Sheila Gallagher, Anne Kelly and Wendy Graham, whose experience, compassion and dedication have supported countless victims and witnesses across Northern Ireland. Together, these individuals represent the values that have been at the heart of Victim Support NI for the past 45 years.
The impact of Victim Support NI’s work was also reflected in messages from partners. Marianne O’Kane, Assistant Director of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) thanked the organisation for its “life-changing work” carried out every day, while the Police Ombudsman, Jacqui Durkin acknowledged the contribution of its staff and volunteers, noting that “the criminal justice system could not function without you.”
Since 1981, Victim Support NI has provided free and confidential support to people affected by crime, regardless of the type of crime, whether it has been reported or how long ago it took place. This commitment remains at the heart of Victim Support NI’s work, ensuring that people affected by crime can access support when they need it.
As Victim Support NI looks to the future, it remains committed to strengthening services and working with partners to improve support for victims and witnesses across Northern Ireland, as set out in its Corporate Strategy, “From Harm, to Help, to Hope.”
