Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group were crowned winners of the ‘Best Housing Estates/Residents Association’ category. This group has provided an invaluable grass roots community development service to the residents of Ballyduff and surrounding areas for over 10 years.
Judges praised Ballyduff residents for their hard work.
“The most striking part of the judges’ visit was the belief in the future potential of the area and the appealing desire of the young people to have a career in community work.
“The sustainability of the community is very secure with long term approved funding and excellent plans for the future. Aside from a wide and innovative range of activities being available there is a highly commendable initiative to connect with their neighbours. This is a welcoming and forward-looking community.”
Antrim’s ’All About Us – ASD Teens’ project were also runners up in the ‘Community Wellbeing Initiative: Targeted’ category. This amazing Antrim-based group is run by volunteers who are either parents of young people who are diagnosed with autism, or have autism themselves. The group aims to promote inclusion, raise awareness, increase skills and coping mechanisms for young people going through the diagnosis process for autism and associated conditions.
Newtownabbey Men’s Shed were also nominated for the Creative Place Initiative category for their support to men in the Newtownabbey area. The group, now consisting of over 60 men has become a powerful force in addressing men’s health and wellbeing, loneliness and isolation, through a weekly programme of activities.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper BEM said the local finalists should be proud of the difference they make across the Borough:
“I am delighted for Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group for this well-deserved recognition. The group has been serving the Ballyduff area for a decade and very much deserves this recognition for their exceptional achievements.
“Like the amazing services provided by All About Us ASD Teens and Newtownabbey Men’s Shed, Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group’s tireless work changes lives in the community and is a credit to our area.”
The awards, hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballentine, took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island. The awards were delivered in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 21 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.