Justice in the Community Awards 2014

First launched in 2011, the aim of the awards is to highlight the outstanding efforts of those who make a selfless and personal contribution within the community to make Northern Ireland a better and safer place for everyone.

The scheme is open to any individual or group working within the voluntary, community or statutory sectors, who through their efforts make a real difference to promoting justice and making their community a better and safer place for everyone.

Previous winners have come from a range of different backgrounds from across Northern Ireland. Some of the themes of previous nominations have included people involved in, attempting to reduce reoffending through mentoring, reducing antisocial behaviour, reducing crime, building better relationships with police, neighbourhood watch schemes, raising awareness of issues such as human trafficking, building relationships between communities and mediating in disputes. The list is not exhaustive and there are many different ways that people can have a positive impact on justice within Northern Ireland.

So if you know of an individual or a group of people who have gone that extra mile to make their community a better and safer place we want to hear from you. Nomination forms can be downloaded below.

All nominations will be judged by an independent judging panel - Jacqueline Irwin (Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council), Una McKernan (Deputy Chief Executive for Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) and Tom McGonigle (Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland).

There are three prizes up for grabs each to the value of £500 for the Justice Champions to invest in their respective projects. Trophies will also be provided to a number of highly commended nominees

Completed nomination forms should be returned by email to [email protected] or posted to Justice in the Community Awards, Department of Justice, Massey House, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SX. The closing date for nominations is 19 September 2014. Nominees will be invited to an awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings on the 5 November where the winners will be announced.

For further information about the Justice in the Community Awards visit the NI Direct website or contact the Justice Awards team on 028 9016 9588 or by email to [email protected].