Our History

Start360 began in 1993 as Opportunity Youth, co established by Gerry Rogan, a former Northern Ireland Senior Civil Servant whose insight and belief in the potential of people living on the margins shaped the organisation from its earliest days. Established in North Belfast as a small public sector initiative, the project was created to support young people who were disengaged from mainstream education and training. What began as a modest local service quickly grew in both scale and ambition.

As demand increased, the organisation expanded beyond its original premises, relocating within Belfast and progressively establishing services across Northern Ireland. Offices were developed in Belfast, Derry or Londonderry, Ballymena, Lurgan and Enniskillen, alongside delivery within the custodial estate at Maghaberry Prison, Magilligan Prison and Hydebank Wood College and Prison. This growth reflected an expanding remit that moved beyond young people to include adults in the justice system, families and individuals facing complex health, social and employability barriers.

Following Gerry Rogan’s untimely death in 2003, his influence continued to shape the organisation’s ethos and practice. In 2007, the Gerry Rogan Initiative Trust was established in his memory, delivering an innovative residential and sustained support programme for young people who had fallen through gaps in education and training provision. Over a ten-year period, almost 1000 young people were supported to address barriers, build confidence and improve their life chances. The learning and practice developed during this period continues to inform service design across the organisation.

In April 2014, recognising the breadth of its service users and the diversity of its work, Opportunity Youth rebranded as Start360. Continued growth led to a move to larger head office premises on William Street in 2017, strengthening infrastructure and organisational capacity. Ann-Marie McClure drove the charities success and direction from inception and continue to lead with passion until 2022.

Today, Start360 delivers 25 services across the areas of Health, Justice and Employability, supporting individuals and families who are often marginalised or disengaged from mainstream provision. In the 2020 to 2021 financial year, the organisation worked with more than 20000 people and currently employs over 80 staff across multiple sites. In 2025, Start360 became the first charity in Ireland to achieve Trusted Charity Level 2 accreditation, marking a significant milestone in governance, leadership and organisational effectiveness.

Danny McQuillan has served as Chief Executive since October 2022 and has now led the organisation for three years. Under his leadership, Start360 continues to strengthen partnerships, refine its strategic focus and expand its impact across Northern Ireland.

Start360 is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, number NIC105848.