Antrim and Newtownabbey Celebrates the Butterfly Effect of Volunteering

This year’s awards were inspired by the butterfly, with the theme ‘Transformation Through Volunteering’ highlighting how small actions can create a lasting and far-reaching impact.

A total of 94 nominations were received for this year’s awards, reflecting the incredible range of volunteering taking place across the Borough and the positive difference individuals, teams and organisations are making within their communities.

Hosted by Claire McCollum, the evening celebrated those who give their time, skills and energy to support others, strengthen communities and make a difference across the Borough.

The 2026 Spirit of Volunteering Award Winners are as follows:

• Newcomer to Volunteering – Sarah Freeman (Black Diamond Initiatives NI)
  • Highly Commended: Derek Robinson (Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum)
  • Sponsored by Castle Mall
• Inspirational Young Person – Molly Hamilton-Whyte (Bridge Youth Centre)
  • Highly Commended: Ryan McCarthy and Aiden Irvine (Aldergrove GAC)
  • Sponsored by G Force Amusements
• Excellence in Volunteering – Frances Wilson (St. John’s Compassionate Ministries and The United Churches of Ballynure and Ballyeaston)
  • Highly Commended: Jackie Wells (Ballynure and District Community Association)
  • Sponsored by The Junction
• Team Spirit – FareShare NI
  • Highly Commended: John Robinson and Raymond McBride (The Dream Team, Good Morning Antrim)
  • Sponsored by M. Large Tree Services Ltd
• Personal Achievement – Caroline Millar (Greater Antrim MS Society)
  • Highly Commended: Stephen McLoughlin (Rehability, Antrim)
  • Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Newtownabbey
• Community Safety – Antrim and Newtownabbey Street Pastors
  • Sponsored by Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP)
• Social and Community Enterprise – Randalstown ARCHES Association Ltd
  • Sponsored by E. A. Davies Insurance
• Lifetime Contribution – Valerie Jenkins (50 years of voluntary service to the Ballyclare community)
  • Sponsored by Mann’s Catering
• Mayor’s Award – Una Johnston (Company Secretary of TIDAL and 45 years of voluntary service to the Toome Community)
• Lord-Lieutenant’s Award – Between the 2 women, now both in their 90s, they have given more than 80 years of voluntary service: Joyce Campbell (Founder and Chairperson of the Breakaways) and Shirley Orr (Honorary Secretary of Torrens Memorial Hall, Doagh)

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, said:

“Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, giving their time, energy and skills to make a positive difference every day. This year’s theme, ‘Transformation Through Volunteering’, is a wonderful reflection of the impact that even the smallest act can have.

“Congratulations to all our winners and nominees and thank you to our sponsors for their support in making this year’s awards possible.”

The evening also featured a keynote address from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who spoke about the importance of volunteering and the vital contribution volunteers make to communities across Northern Ireland.

Minister Lyons said: “As Minister for Communities, I see first-hand the enormous contribution made by volunteers and the wider voluntary and community sector throughout Northern Ireland. Every day, volunteers support vulnerable people, reduce isolation, help young people reach their potential and strengthen the communities in which we live.

“My Department is proud to support volunteering through the Volunteering Infrastructure Support programme and to work alongside organisations across the sector who create opportunities for people to become involved in community life. I want to congratulate all of this year’s nominees and winners for the positive impact they continue to make.”

This year’s butterfly theme provided a fitting reminder of the power of volunteering. Just as a butterfly’s journey represents growth, transformation and new beginnings, volunteering can create a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far beyond where it starts.

A special moment during the evening saw the Mayor present a gift to the family of the late Chair of TIDAL Toome, Kyle Johnston, who sadly passed away on Tuesday 11 August, aged just 28. Kyle was a much-respected member of the community who dedicated significant time to volunteering, supporting local initiatives and helping to improve his local area. The gift was presented to his family in recognition of Kyle’s contribution, commitment and dedication to volunteering and community life, and as a lasting tribute to the positive impact he made on those around him.

From those taking their first steps into volunteering to those who have dedicated decades to helping others, the Spirit of Volunteering Awards 2026 celebrate the people who help our communities grow, connect and thrive.