Nil by Mouth is Scotland's first organisation dedicated to challenging Sectarianism . The charity was founded by a young woman as her remarkable response to the brutal murder of her school friend on a Glasgow street in 1995.

Cara Henderson was 15 years old when Mark Scott was killed on his way home from a football match between Celtic and Partick Thistle in the city's east end. Mark, a 16-year-old Catholic and Celtic supporter, was murdered by Jason Campbell, a Protestant and follower of rival Glasgow club Rangers. Mark never saw his killer, who was little older than himself.

Cara was devastated and struggled to make sense of her friend's death. She came to understand that both young men had fallen victim to her society's problems with Sectarianism - one lost his life and the other his freedom.

This personal tragedy and the realisation that religious hatred and prejudice were deeply ingrained in Scottish society drove Cara to take a stand. Harnessing support from others who shared her passion for change, she launched Nil by Mouth in 2000. After centuries of suffering, Scotland had its first campaign to challenge sectarianism.

Since then, some significant progress has been made …

The name 'Nil by Mouth' represents our campaign's focus on attitudes and language. Abusive words perpetuate negative attitudes which lead to discrimination and abuse. Our work is about raising awareness, stimulating debate and encouraging people to think about sectarianism and what role they can play in challenging religious prejudice. The jokes and songs which may be regarded as harmless in reality help make sectarianism in Scotland, 'just part of life.' Nil by Mouth refuses to accept this and strives for positive change.

Mary Robinson, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: "Every society maintains an invisible life where attitudes and assumptions are formed. Every society is hostage to this unseen place where fear conquers reason and old attitudes remain entrenched. It is here that chance phrases and small asides are made, which say so little and reveal so much. If we are to go forward, we have to look at attitudes and the language which expresses attitudes."