NIADA marks 10th anniversary with sector-wide celebration

Thursday 4th June, Belfast Castle

The Northern Ireland Alcohol & Drug Alliance (NIADA) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special event at Belfast Castle, marking a decade of supporting, strengthening, and championing the voice of the sector.

The milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, the partnerships built, and the positive impact delivered over the past ten years — while also looking ahead with ambition for the future.

The anniversary celebration brought together those who have shaped NIADA’s journey, including founders, Thelma Abernethy & Anne Marie McClure, current Chair Pauline Campbell, long-standing members, and new voices from across the sector.

The event also recognised key partnerships with many organisations including the Public Health Agency (PHA), Department of Health, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), Ulster University, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and the Northern Ireland Coroner’s Service — all of whom have played an important role in supporting NIADA on its journey.

Pauline Campbell NIADA Chairperson & CEO Dunlewey Addiction Services

"It’s fantastic to see so many familiar faces as we celebrate 10 years of NIADA. Reaching this milestone is a real achievement and a chance to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together. Just as importantly, it’s an opportunity to look ahead with confidence—if the past decade has shown us anything, it’s that there is still so much more to achieve and celebrate."

Danny McQuillan NIADA Member & CEO Start360

“It has been inspiring to see how NIADA has grown over the last decade from a group of organisations working in substance misuse into a strong, respected alliance that is truly greater than the sum of its parts… It stands as a real example of best practice and has become a valued and trusted partner to the statutory sector.”