You Don’t Have to Walk This Road Alone
Whether you are grieving, recovering, or searching for answers, we are here with immediate, 100% free support for individuals, families, and communities across Northern Ireland.
The Road Ahead NI was created in 2020 out of a deep understanding of how suddenly a road collision changes everything.
Starting in Newry, Mourne and Down, we have grown to care for families right across Northern Ireland. Every single one of our volunteers has personally lived through a collision — we know the shock, pain, and uncertainty because we’ve been there too.
Working alongside Road Safe NI, we provide rapid, gentle care for bereaved families, survivors rebuilding their lives, witnesses, and first responders — ensuring no one gets lost on long waiting lists.
Understanding Hands
Guided by volunteers who share genuine lived experience.
No Waiting Lists
Immediate, trauma-informed help when you need it most.
Here Across NI
Compassionate care for individuals and families everywhere.
How We Hold Space for You
Select a category below to explore how we can support your healing
Peer Mentoring Support
One-on-one listening from trained mentors who understand collision trauma firsthand.
Adult Trauma Counselling
Gentle, specialized therapy for grief, anxiety, and shock following a crash.
Play & Art Therapy
Creative therapy helping children process trauma and express difficult emotions safely.
Referral & Guidance
Navigating legal, medical, and practical support channels with compassionate direction.
Support Groups
Shared spaces, memorial gatherings, and family days to build connection and healing.
Therapeutic Workshops
Practical workshops offering tools for managing anxiety, stress, and trauma triggers.
Community Outreach
Fostering awareness, preventive education, and support throughout Northern Ireland.
Psycho-Education
Helping survivors and loved ones understand trauma reactions and recovery pathways.
THE COMMITTEE
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Monica Heaney
Role: Service Co-ordinator & Lead Mentor
Bio:
Previously worked as a Senior Support Worker for people with learning disabilities within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.One thing I enjoy:
Spending quality time with my family.Why I volunteer:
After losing my son in a road traffic collision, I was inspired to help establish The Road Ahead NI. I volunteer to ensure no one has to face the trauma and loss of road tragedy alone.
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Tricia O'Neill
Role: Charity Development Officer
Bio:
Experienced Social Worker and Pastoral Care Manager, with over 20 years' involvement in the voluntary sector. Also serves as Secretary of Road Safe NI.One thing I enjoy:
Being creative and spending time at the beach.Why I volunteer:
Having lost six loved ones in road traffic collisions, I am passionate about improving road safety and ensuring those affected by road trauma receive the support they need.
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Marie Mulcahy
Role: Secretary of The Road Ahead NI
Bio:
Over 10 years’ experience in administration within the voluntary sector, using my skills to support charities and help create positive change.One thing I enjoy:
Spending time with animals and supporting animal welfare.Why I volunteer:
I volunteer with The Road Ahead NI because I believe no one should face the aftermath of a road traffic collision alone. I am proud to use my skills to help bring compassion, hope and support to those who need it most.
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Rita Bentley
Role: Treasurer & Mentor
Bio:
Rita is a dedicated primary school teacher and trainee counsellor, passionate about supporting young minds and people’s emotional wellbeing.
One thing I enjoy:
I enjoy playing football, finding both joy and balance through teamwork and sport.
Why I volunteer:
I volunteer with The Road Ahead NI Charity to offer compassionate support to those on journeys like my own. My work reflects a strong commitment to empathy, growth and making a positive difference in others’ lives.
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Ciara Sands
Role: Chairperson
Bio:
A cardiac physiologist with a passion for supporting people through difficult times and promoting health, resilience, and wellbeing.One thing I enjoy:
I enjoy practising yoga and spending time with friends over dinner, helping me stay balanced and connected.Why I volunteer:
Following the death of my partner, Karl, in 2018, I joined The Road Ahead NI to support others facing the trauma and lasting impact of a road traffic collision, ensuring no one has to navigate that journey alone.
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Judith Boyd
Role: Committee Member & Volunteer
Bio:
Youth and Family Support Worker with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, passionate about supporting young people, especially those who have faced challenges in life.One thing I enjoy:
Supporting young people to build confidence, resilience and reach their potential.Why I volunteer:
Road safety has always been close to my heart after my best friend was paralysed in a road traffic collision at 17 and my sister sustained life-changing injuries in another collision. After meeting The Road Ahead NI team, I was inspired to get involved and am proud to volunteer alongside such compassionate people.
ADVISORY BOARD
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Sinead Dillon
Role: Advisory Board Member & Road Safety Advocate
Bio:
Senior Account Executive with experience in building trusted relationships and developing partnerships to help the charity grow its reach and impact.One thing I enjoy:
Socialising, music, concerts, cinema, and spending quality time with my children.Why I volunteer:
After losing my mum in a road traffic collision, I wanted to use my experience to support others facing similar loss and help create positive change. Volunteering allows me to honour my mum’s memory while supporting a cause that offers hope, compassion and practical help to those affected by road trauma.
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Sinead Lunny
Role: Advisory Board Member & Road Safety Advocate
Bio:
Director of Vocalis, a voice and communication skills company based in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. She also runs an award-winning 200-strong Speech and Drama school, is an actor, voiceover artist, event host, lecturer and Tedx speaker. A courtroom lawyer for many years, Sinéad combines her legal experience and Speech and Drama skillset to provide unique, top quality training in how to use one’s voice for maximum effect, empowering speakers to structure narratives and engage audiences.
Why I volunteer:
I am a vocal campaigner for the A1 road upgrade, having sustained life-changing injuries myself on the A1, I honoured to join the advisory board of the Road Ahead NI.
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Nichola Cook
Role: Advisor & Advocate
Bio:
I have over 25 years’ experience working with people through some of life’s hardest moments. My brother lost his life in a road traffic collision at the very start of his journey with his partner Rita and their two young sons. That experience shaped my commitment to road safety and to supporting families affected by road trauma.
One thing I enjoy:
Spending time outdoors and being with family, it helps me stay connected and grounded.
Why I volunteer:
I believe there is life after trauma, even when the beginning feels overwhelming. I volunteer to help others find support, understanding, and hope as they rebuild after a road traffic incident.
MISSION STATEMENT
Never Alone
We believe no one should face this journey alone, standing beside every individual through life's hardest moments.
Personalised Support
Compassionate care for individuals, families, and communities coping with grief, injury, and loss.
Mentoring & Therapy
1-to-1 peer mentoring, professional trauma counselling, and structured support groups for long-term recovery.
Hope & Healing
Offering hope, therapeutic connection, and active healing at every step of the recovery path.