The Neighbours Help First (NHF) Network is a regional platform for cooperation that brings together 19 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies with a shared commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response, and humanitarian cooperation.
The Network was established in 2017 on the initiative of the Croatian Red Cross to formalise and strengthen the long-standing cooperation between neighbouring National Societies. Recognising that countries in the region share similar humanitarian challenges and are often the first to support one another during emergencies, the NHF Network provides a framework for coordinated action, knowledge sharing, and mutual assistance.
Purpose
The NHF Network works to strengthen the capacity of its members through cooperation, innovation, and the exchange of expertise. Its work stands on four main pillars:
Strengthening cooperation in disaster preparedness and crisis response
Building capacity through the continuous exchange of experiences and best practices
Conducting joint trainings and exercises for disaster response teams
Better positioning the region within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
All Network activities are carried out in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, IFRC policies, and the Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance .
Members
Today, the Network consists of 13 Member National Societies and 6 Observer National Societies, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) serve as Technical Advisors.
The NHF Network is composed of the following Member National Societies :
Albanian Red Cross
Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgarian Red Cross
Croatian Red Cross
Cyprus Red Cross Society
Hellenic Red Cross
Hungarian Red Cross
Red Cross of Montenegro
Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia
Polish Red Cross
Romanian Red Cross
Slovenian Red Cross
Turkish Red Crescent
The following National Societies participate as Observers :
Austrian Red Cross
Czech Red Cross
Italian Red Cross
Red Cross of Serbia
Slovak Red Cross
Spanish Red Cross
Technical Advisors:
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Secretariat
The NHF Network operates through a rotating Secretariat, ensuring shared ownership and active participation of its members.
2020–2022: Croatian Red Cross
2023–2025: Bulgarian Red Cross
Since 1 July 2025: Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia
