Delight as social enterprise supported by the Housing Executive scoops gong

Bosco staff member Pearse Murphy (left) with trainee Declan.
Bosco staff member Pearse Murphy (left) with trainee Declan.

A North Belfast social enterprise, which has received support from the Housing Executive, is celebrating after accepting a prestigious award.

The Bosco Café, managed by Artillery Youth Centre and based at the foot of the New Lodge Road, has scooped a World Health Organisation Healthy Cities Community Prosperity Award.

Opened in 2016, with Housing Executive help, the Bosco Café employs five staff and has provided pre-employment training to over 50 young people from the local area, some of whom have had contact with the criminal justice system.

Recently funding from our Social Enterprise Plus programme has allowed further community re-investment.

Tackling food poverty, loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic was a priority and help and support for local families was provided, including twice weekly grocery provision for shielding residents and a free hot Sunday dinner and dessert service for up to 50 vulnerable residents.

Housing Executive Regional Belfast Manager, Jennifer Hawthorne, said; “We are delighted to congratulate the Bosco Bakery on their award in the Community Prosperity category at the World Health Organisation Belfast Healthy Cities Awards.

“Bosco Bakery have been working in partnership with the Housing Executive Social Enterprise team since 2016 providing a valuable service to their community.”

Harry Murphy, Bosco senior youth worker at the Artillery Youth Centre, said: “We’re delighted to receive this award as it reflects the effort of both the staff and customers to give back to the community, especially during the pandemic.”