Justice Champions 2016 announced

The Justice in the Community Awards recognise individuals and teams, voluntary workers and staff working within community and statutory organisations across Northern Ireland. 

Paul received the accolade of Justice Champion in recognition of his work assisting the most vulnerable and marginalised, including street drinkers and rough sleepers. He received £1,000 which will be used for his project to benefit the local community.

Speaking at a ceremony in Parliament Buildings, David Ford said: “These awards are an opportunity to pay tribute to the exceptional work that is going on within the heart of our community.  This is work that we hear so little about, by people who go the extra mile to make Northern Ireland a safer, better place for everyone.   

“That these awards are funded by the proceeds of assets seized from criminals makes it all the more satisfying.”  

The Minister also congratulated eight ‘highly commended’ award winners from across Northern Ireland.

On receiving his award, Paul McCartney described his work as humbling and said the prize money he had received would be put to good use to help those in greatest need.

48 nominations were received and were considered by an independent judging panel consisting of Brendan McGuigan, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, Una McKernan, Deputy Chief Executive of NICVA, Jim Smith, Project Supervisor for the Book Reserve and Thinking Cup Café – a social enterprise initiative providing employment to motivated young parents who have offended, and Karen Pearson of the Department of Justice.

The overall ‘Justice Champion’ is:

• Paul McCartney – First Housing Aid & Support Services

‘Highly commended’ nominations:

• NIACRO RESET Mentoring Team
• Elaine Morrow, Volunteer with the Youth Justice Agency
• Danny Corr, Zanshin Karate Jutsu DoJo
• Billy O’Flaherty, Carniny Amateur Football Club
• Lorna Brown, Grainne Richards & Vicki Kearney, Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid
• Constable Mark McGaritty, Police Service of Northern Ireland
• Rory Doherty, Quaker Services
• Mary Hogg, Cookstown Street Angels