Unsung heroes win Rural Community Awards
Unsung heroes from across Northern Ireland have scooped top prizes in the Housing Executive’s annual Rural Community Awards 2022 competition.
Individuals and groups who are making a difference in rural areas received the awards which showcase the range of activities they are involved in to improve quality of life and create cleaner, safer and more vibrant places to live.
Outstanding volunteering work being carried out at grassroot level in rural neighbourhoods and villages, which helps to boost civic pride among residents, is also recognised in the awards.
Winners for 2022 are:
Community Spirit North Region: Carnlough Community Association
Community Spirit South Region: Moneydarragh Community Hub
Cleaner & Greener North Region: Cullybackey Community Partnership
Cleaner & Greener South Region: Trillick Community Group
Community Champion North Region: Roy McDowell, Ahoghill In Bloom
Community Champion South Region: Sammy Wilson, Donaghmore Horticultural Community
Community Champions won £500 for their groups, and the Rural Community Spirit and the Cleaner and Greener award winners each received £1,000.
Tim Gilpin, the Housing Executive’s acting Rural and Regeneration Manager, said: “First launched at the Balmoral Show in 2014, the competition has been a huge success, generating hundreds of inspiring applications.
“We are delighted to celebrate the work of volunteers across Northern Ireland, who are quite often the unsung heroes in our community, by organising this competition.
“So many people routinely go above and beyond to promote health and wellbeing, individual and community development, social inclusion and help make life better for all residents, which is to be commended.”
Elma Newberry, the Housing Executive’s acting Director of Regional Services, said: “I am very impressed with the high standard of nominations that we received in the 2022 competition.
“A large number of volunteers do a huge amount of hard work to improve their communities and I would like to thank each and every one of them.
“Our winners are richly deserving and are excellent examples of what individuals and groups can achieve for the benefit of the local people around them.
“Everyone is grateful to all of those who so generously give up their time and share their expertise so that we can live in places that are attractive and welcoming. Your contribution to our community is outstanding.”