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Newtownstewart Centre 2000 scoops Housing Executive rural award

Staff and members of Newtownstewart Centre 2000, celebrate winning the Cleaner and Greener Award in the Housing Executive’s annual Rural Community Awards 2023. Pictured are (back row from left) Alber Law, Cycle Group, Kerry McLaughlin, Cycle Group, Gillian Craig, Social Worker and Cycle Group lead, Grahame McCormick, Chairperson of Newtownstewart Centre 2000 and Tommy McConnell, Cycle Group. (Front row left to right) Rachel Crawford, staff member of Newtownstewart Centre 2000 and Irene Spratt,
Staff and members of Newtownstewart Centre 2000, celebrate winning the Cleaner and Greener Award in the Housing Executive’s annual Rural Community Awards 2023. Pictured are (back row from left) Alber Law, Cycle Group, Kerry McLaughlin, Cycle Group, Gillian Craig, Social Worker and Cycle Group lead, Grahame McCormick, Chairperson of Newtownstewart Centre 2000 and Tommy McConnell, Cycle Group. (Front row left to right) Rachel Crawford, staff member of Newtownstewart Centre 2000 and Irene Spratt,

Newtownstewart Centre 2000 in Co Derry/Londonderry has secured £1,000 prize as part of this year’s Housing Executive’s Rural Community Awards.

E-cycling is one of many health and well-being actvities on offer at the centre which is also home to a walking group, a social café and a host of educational health programmes.

Held this year in The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine 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.

Eddie Doherty, Housing Executive’s West area manager said: 

“A big well done to Newtownstewart Centre 2000 on winning in our Cleaner and Greener section. 

“The health and well-being projects in operation at Newtownstewart Centre 2000 are to be commended.

 “Through their walking and cycle groups the centre is certainly making a hugely positive impact on the lifestyles of so many.

“By encouraging others to exercise together using e-bikes they are protecting the environment while also combating social isolation in their community.

“Congratulations to all involved.”

Centre Manager Irene Spratt said: 

“We are delighted to have received this award.

 “The Centre is a neutral space for everyone to enjoy. 

“We work closely in partnership with our GP Practice Social Worker, Gillian Craig and recently completed a successful family engagement programme on the benefits of cycling.

“Gillian also supported us to form our cycle hub and walking group which are volunteer/ peer led. 

“Both are going from strength to strength. 

“The cyclists meet every Wednesday and the walkers meet every Thursday for a cycle or walk around the town before coming back to our social café where they have a chat, healthy snacks and a cup of tea.

“We would hope to use the prize money from this award to expand the activities we deliver and improve our cycle and walking groups even further possibly developing additional routes and training more volunteers.”