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Dervock & District Community Association scoops Housing Executive rural award

Pictured are (left to right), John Wilmot, Vice-Chairperson of Dervock & District Community Association, Joe Small (Jnr), Chairperson of Dervock & District Community Association, Matthew Hagan, Chairperson for Dervock Youth Network and committee member, Dervock & District Community Association, Frankie Cunningham, Caretaker, Dervock & District Community Association and Eoin McKinney, Housing Executive Rural Unit.
Pictured are (left to right), John Wilmot, Vice-Chairperson of Dervock & District Community Association, Joe Small (Jnr), Chairperson of Dervock & District Community Association, Matthew Hagan, Chairperson for Dervock Youth Network and committee member, Dervock & District Community Association, Frankie Cunningham, Caretaker, Dervock & District Community Association and Eoin McKinney, Housing Executive Rural Unit.

Dervock & District Community Association in Co. Antrim has secured £1,000 prize as part of this year’s Housing Executive’s Rural Community Awards.

Working tirelessly to enhance the villages appearance and promote sustainability the association puts a strong focus on community involvement and partnership working.

Held this year in The Seamus Heaney Centre, Bellaghy, Co. Derry/Londonderry the annual Rural Community Awards event provides a showcase for individuals and groups undertaking outstanding volunteering work at grassroots level in rural areas across Northern Ireland, helping maintain local neighbourhoods and boosting civic pride.

Mark Alexander, Housing Executive’s Causeway Area Manager said: 

“Well done to Dervock & District Community Association on winning in the ‘Cleaner and Greener’ award. 

“Dervock & District Community Association’s environmental projects are to be commended.

 “For example, through their youth network clean-ups and gardening initiatives, they’ve positively impacted so many.

“By encouraging residents to collectively protect the environment they also combat social isolation in the community, many of whom are Housing Executive tenants.

“Congratulations to all involved.”

Caretaker of Dervock & District Community Association, Frankie Cunningham said, 

“We really appreciate that we have won the Cleaner and Greener award.

“A key initiative for us has been the development of a tourist trail as well as securing funding for park benches and planters.

“We are also very thankful to the Housing Executive for helping us purchase wheelbarrows, spades and other gardening equipment to maintain our shared spaces in the village.

“Our green spaces are more environmentally friendly, accessible and inviting thanks to them.

“Support from the Housing Executive has also been invaluable in developing our Dervock Youth Network services.

“Young people take a pride in their environment through various activities including painting and maintaining derelict buildings which teaches them the value of community ownership and environmental responsibility.”