Northern Ireland Frontline Network (NIFLN)

The Northern Ireland Frontline Network (NIFLN) supports people working in homelessness, housing and related support services across the public, statutory and voluntary sectors.

We bring frontline workers together so they can share experience, learn from each other and feel more supported in their work.

Frontline work can be hugely rewarding; however we know it can also be tough. You don't have to do it on your own.

Why join?

If you're working on the frontline, you already know the pressures that come with it.

Joining the Network gives you a space to:

Connect with other frontline workers across Northern Ireland and the UK.
Share experiences and practical ideas for day-to-day work.
Access training, tools and professional development opportunities.
Take part in surveys and help shape sector practice.
Stay up to date with events, news and opportunities.
Be part of a supportive community that understands your work.

What you get

Membership is free and open to anyone working in homelessness, housing or related frontline services.

Members can access:

Training and funding opportunities.
Practical tools and resources.
Workshops, events and networking opportunities.
A monthly e-newsletter with sector updates.
Opportunities to take part in surveys and consultation activity.
Connection to the wider UK Frontline Network.

Working across Northern Ireland and the UK

The Northern Ireland Frontline Network is part of the wider UK Frontline Network.

This means members benefit from both local support across Northern Ireland and opportunities to connect with colleagues, resources and learning across the UK.

Together, we help ensure frontline workers are supported locally while also contributing to wider conversations about homelessness policy and practice.

Recent activity

Since 2024, the Network has continued to grow and develop by:

Delivering a programme of learning and development opportunities across Northern Ireland including Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Craigavon.
Delivering training on topics including trauma-informed practice, managing stress and burnout, addiction and harm reduction, hoarding, conflict management, self-care and resilience, and housing-related practice.
Bringing together frontline workers from statutory, voluntary and community organisations to network, share learning and strengthen practice.
Promoting the UK Frontline Network Training Fund and wider professional development opportunities.
Supporting opportunities for frontline workers to contribute to consultation activity and share their experiences with decision-makers.
Continuing to strengthen collaboration across the homelessness sector in Northern Ireland.

Recent examples of impact

The Northern Ireland Frontline Network creates opportunities for frontline workers to share their experiences and influence conversations about homelessness policy and practice.

One example of this was Homeless Connect’s consultation response to the Housing Executive’s Supporting People Strategy 2022–2025, which was informed by feedback from frontline workers. The response highlighted the pressures facing homelessness services and the need for continued investment and support for the workforce.

What frontline workers tell us

Feedback from frontline workers highlights the value of having opportunities to connect, learn and share experiences across the sector.

"The sessions were practical and gave me ideas I could use straight away."

"It was valuable to connect with others working across the sector."

"The Network helps create a space where frontline workers can share experiences and learn from each other."

Our work in practice

Supporting frontline workers to share their experiences and contribute to discussions on homelessness policy and practice.

Providing learning opportunities that respond to the needs identified by frontline staff.

Creating opportunities for networking, peer support and collaboration across the homelessness sector.

Northern Ireland Frontline Network (NIFLN)