The event, which took place on 12th March 2024 hosted by Mark Simpson was held at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey.
Co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and delivered in partnership with The Executive Office, this year’s awards attracted 75 entries. Showcased across each of the five award categories was the increasing level of outstanding community relations, intercultural and peacebuilding work which is having a real impact, improving people’s lives, their outlook for the future, and strengthening community spirit across the region.
Each of the categories were designed to recognise exceptional commitment to good relations work, and provide an opportunity for those who go above and beyond every day, to step forward and shine.
The event was also attended by the Awards Partners, Volunteer Now, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), NI Youth Forum and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI), all of whom encouraged local groups, individuals and organisations from across the region to get involved and to submit nominations for the 2024 Good Relations Awards programme.
The Awards five categories and partners bodies supporting the Awards are:
Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award (peace building) – Partner Community Relations Council
Winner: Elizabeth (Betty) Carlisle
Recognition Awards: Harry Maher and Joe McKeown
Good Relations Community Champion Award – Partner NICVA
Winner: David Patterson
Recognition Awards: Ioana Stoica and Margaret Cunningham
Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award – Partner Volunteer Now
Winner: Yvonne Heaney
Recognition Awards: Helen Dunn and James Reynolds
Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25) – Partner NI Youth Forum
Winner: Crosslink Volunteer Team Youth Initiative
Recognition Awards: Empowering Young Women's Project and Nadia Boudhaim Maguire.
Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year – Partner The Community Foundation
Winner: Waterside Shared Village
Recognition Awards: Naíscoil na Seolta and Martina Byrne, Andy Peters, Catherine Cummings (Rural Communities Connect Project)
For more information, please visit www.goodrelationsawards.com.
NICVA Head of Corporate Services, Gary Clarke pictured with the Community Champion winner and recognition award winners.
