Advice NI is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of supporting people and the independent advice network, across Northern Ireland to navigate complex welfare and debt systems to access their rights and entitlements.
Figures from the organisation’s 2024/25 Annual Report show that the independent advice network helped 288,632 people over the past year, claiming back more than £146 million in financial gains for clients and continuing to play a vital role in reducing poverty.
Advice NI
The milestone was celebrated at Advice NI’s AGM, where members, funders and stakeholders gathered to reflect on 30 years of progress and partnership.
Founded in 1995 as the Association of Independent Advice Centres (AIAC), Advice NI has grown into a network of 62 member organisations, supporting communities in every corner of Northern Ireland through benefits, debt, employment, housing and consumer advice.
Speaking at the AGM, Fiona Magee, Interim Chief Executive of Advice NI, said: “Across Northern Ireland our member organisations continue to be the backbone of community support. In times of uncertainty, with families facing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, housing pressures and welfare reform changes, the independent advice sector has remained a lifeline. Advice NI’s role has been to champion, support and strengthen this network so that people can access the advice and advocacy they need, when they need it.
“That £146 million is not just a number. It represents warm homes, money directly into people’s pockets and food on the table. In our 30th year, these figures illustrate just how essential independent advice remains for people across Northern Ireland.
Chair of Advice NI, David Abrahams, added: “Over the past three decades, Advice NI has evolved from a small collective of advice agencies to a strong, respected voice for people and communities across Northern Ireland. Today, our impact continues to reach individuals and families in every community. Behind every statistic in our report there’s a person, a family and a story of resilience. This year in particular, we’ve continued to navigate economic pressures, digital change and increasing need, yet our network has remained steadfast, innovative and compassionate in response.”
Advice NI’s work over the past year has included providing debt advice to 3,481 individuals and 131 small businesses, producing 21 social policy and information briefings and leading campaigns that directly influenced policy changes such as the extension of welfare mitigations and improved support for low-income families.
As the organisation looks to the future, Advice NI says the independent advice network remains committed to tackling poverty and playing a vital role in achieving real impact on the social, financial and economic wellbeing of individuals and communities.
