LIVE HERE LOVE HERE REVEALS WINNERS OF 2025 COMMUNITY AWARDS
David McCann Mon 10 Feb 2025
Live Here Love Here, a people-powered campaign dedicated to improving the local environment and fostering civic pride, has revealed the winners of its 2025 Community Awards. The event, held at Belfast City Hall on Thursday, February 6 and hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon, brought together over 150 guests - including Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir, local leaders, environmental advocates and volunteers – to honour the outstanding contributions of voluntary community groups across Northern Ireland working to improve the environment and promote civic pride.
Sponsored by Power NI and supported by DAERA, nine local councils, and the Housing Executive, the awards serve as a vital platform for recognising the power of collective action in tackling community environmental challenges such as dog fouling, littering, biodiversity loss, transformation of neglected spaces and environmental education.
On the night, 12 awards were presented to celebrate the achievements of local community groups, including the Regional Champions Awards, which honoured volunteers from Live Here Love Here’s nine partner council areas. The Lasting Contribution Award, supported by DAERA, was presented to Copeland Bird Observatory for their enduring commitment to environmental sustainability and community improvement spanning more than six decades. Since 1954, the observatory has been dedicated to bird conservation, research, and community engagement, particularly on the Copeland Islands, making a lasting impact on local biodiversity and environmental education. Runner-up, Comber Regeneration Community Partnerships (CRCP), was also recognised for transforming its town through initiatives like creating a community garden and fostering pride and responsibility among residents.
The Bright Future Award, supported by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, was awarded to Antrim Community Fridge for their innovative approach to environmental stewardship. Founded in 2024, this up-and-coming group has engaged over 500 households, hosted events to tackle food insecurity, and worked to reduce food waste while promoting sustainability and strengthening community ties. While, the Community Together Award, supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, was presented to Holywood Shared Town from Ards and North Down Borough Council area for their work supporting smaller groups and leading initiatives that build a cohesive and inclusive community, including focusing on environmental improvements and social spaces for residents.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, said, “I’m proud to support Live Here Love Here, which connects volunteers, fosters learning, and empowers meaningful action towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment. The Community Awards are a special occasion to celebrate the diverse contributions of those dedicated to environmental stewardship. I am delighted to present the Lasting Contribution Award, which celebrated Copeland Bird Observatory’s unwavering dedication and long-standing efforts in fostering a sustainable community and creating a lasting positive impact.
“Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we celebrate and support these local groups that are making a tangible difference at the grassroots level. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and encouraging people of all ages to take action, we can ensure that the future of environmental stewardship remains full of opportunity. The work being done today by these dedicated groups will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring others to take part and make a difference in their own communities.”
Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said, “The Community Awards resonate because they celebrate the unsung heroes in our communities who are driving real environmental change through volunteer work. This year, the theme ‘Community Connections’ made it even more special as we honoured groups that demonstrate the power of collective action. Whether it’s transforming vacant land into thriving green spaces or mobilising locals to restore and protect local waterways, these groups are proving that no action is too small to make a difference. We’re reminded that, together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more connected Northern Ireland."
She added, “We also want to thank DAERA, Power NI, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, and our nine council partners for their continued support, which ensures the ongoing success of Live Here Love Here.”
For more information on the Live Here Love Here campaign and the Community Awards, visit liveherelovehere.org.