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A Newry group offering support to people affected by addiction has been honoured at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards.
Davina's Ark won the Community Wellbeing Initiative category at the ceremony in Limerick last week, 7 November, beating off competition from the Cork Dragons club who took the runner-up spot.
A total of 400 community volunteers were in attendance with comedian and broadcaster Dermot Whelan hosting the event, which was sponsored by IPB Insurance.
Judges praised the work of Davina's Ark an organisation dedicated to providing non-residential aftercare services for individuals, families and young people affected by addiction and psychological trauma.
The group's central aim is to provide psychological, emotional, spiritual and practical support to people who are now free from addiction, helping to break the cycle of dependency and trauma. Its mission also extends to families, offering relief from the heartache of a loved one's addiction and assisting in the restoration of relationships damaged or lost through substance abuse.
A distinguishing feature of Davina's Ark is its commitment to accessibility. Unlike many state bodies working in the addiction field, the organisation provides a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service, including on Christmas Day. The judges said their overall impression was that Davina's Ark is an organisation serving a deeply traumatised sector of the community with extraordinary love, compassion and empathy.
The Pride of Place competition was initiated 23 years ago through a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development. It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said Limerick had been proud to welcome the awards. "These awards are a celebration of community spirit and collaboration and they shine a light on the people and projects that make our towns and villages into the places we call home," he said.
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said that after 23 years of these motivational awards recognising exceptional community endeavour, the judges continue to be inspired and humbled in equal measures.
Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland, added that Pride of Place has been a celebration of the people and communities for more than two decades, recognising the strength, resilience and local pride that drives real change at grassroots level.
The win represents significant recognition for Davina's Ark and the vital work the organisation carries out supporting those affected by addiction across the Newry area and beyond.
For more information on the services offered by Davina's Ark go to davinasark.co.uk
