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2018 Mayor's Community Awards is Open for Nominations

October 2, 2017

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Tim Morrow recently launched the 2018 Mayor’s Community Awards to acknowledge the outstanding work and commitment of individuals, groups and organisations across communities in the Council area. 

This awards scheme was developed and nominations will be judged by the Council’s Community Services Unit in partnership with Volunteer Now, the Education Authority and the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust.

Mayor Morrow speaking at the launch said: “Community work from volunteers, paid workers and community based organisations are the lifeblood of our communities and I am astounded by the extra mile that people go to within the Lisburn Castlereagh area to help others without looking for praise or reward. Why not take the time to say ‘thank you’ to those people/groups who do so much in our local communities by submitting a nomination form to recognise their work hard.

“There is a tremendous amount of inspirational work and team spirit within communities; and we wish to recognise community work which may be highly visible or more discreet depending on the circumstances.  These awards deliver a strong message about the value of helping others and how it helps to strengthen the Lisburn Castlereagh area – to connect residents and communities, reinforce community spirit and create a more cohesive and inclusive society across all ages and abilities.”

Nominations will be accepted from individuals, community/voluntary and statutory representatives, who know individuals or groups within the Lisburn Castlereagh area worthy of recognition in the following eight categories:

  • Fundraiser of the Year – recognising volunteers making a significant contribution towards sustaining the work of community/voluntary groups.
  • Young Champion of the Year – recognising young people (between the ages of 16-25) making a significant contribution to community life.
  • Arts & Culture Award - recognising individuals or groups using arts and culture to help make a difference and impact within local communities.
  • Bringing Communities Together Award – recognising individuals or groups who are working tirelessly to bring people together and who have demonstrated a commitment towards improving community relations and a more united and shared society.
  • Office Bearer Award - recognising individuals who are a member of a community/voluntary sector management committee or board in the area, making a huge contribution towards group sustainability and good governance. 
  • Community Impact Award - recognises individuals or groups making a significant difference to the lives of others or to community life.  For example, a particular project or cause that has changed the community for the better.
  • Team Spirit Award - recognises groups within the community/voluntary sector working to help address needs with local communities or enriched the lives of other people and who have shown exceptional team spirit. 
  • The Brian McDowell Life Long Commitment Award is in memory of the well-known local resident, Mr Brian McDowell.  It recognises individuals who have served the local community or a particular cause for over 20 years making a significant difference to the lives of others.

Councillor Morrow added: “Individuals work in communities for a variety of reasons such as to help others, to raise money for worthwhile causes within their local community, to develop new skills or social networks, to improve confidence or employment prospects or to participate in an activity they are interested in.

“Community work makes a difference to the lives of others and collectively we can all make a difference in creating a new, better society for the future.  I thank all our community based organisations, groups and individuals for giving up their time to assist others and looking forward to hearing about the nominations in due course.”

Nominations will close on 3rd November at 4.00pm.  Judging will take place in November and an Awards Event will be held on 15th March 2018.

To keep up to date and view ongoing information on the Awards please follow the Council’s Facebook page facebook.com/LisburnCastlereagh or click here

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