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Nikella Holmes is a survivor of clerical abuse and a strong advocate for survivor‑centred safeguarding reform in Northern Ireland. A co-founder of the NI Survivor Council, Nikella and her colleagues focus on raising the voices of victims and survivors in policy and reform in Northern Ireland. She also works closely with the faith sector to strengthen trauma‑informed responses, improve survivor care, and challenge institutional cultures that have historically silenced victims.
Nikella plays an active role in Northern Ireland’s work on Historical Clerical Child Abuse, contributing to policy development and survivor engagement with The Executive Office. She has worked to shape conversations on the need for independent, survivor‑led support structures, safeguarding reform and awareness of abuse.
Professionally Nikella works with care leavers in Northern Ireland to assist them with building independence, gaining employment, education and housing. She has a little girl and a real love for dogs. Nikella’s self-care routine usually involves a Disney themed jigsaw and podcasts.
"I am so excited to hear the global plans and commitments going forward at the Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children, and to bring that knowledge back to Northern Ireland"
