Write a comment
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Live Here Love Here Community Awards, running until December 1. These awards celebrate community and voluntary groups across Northern Ireland who tackle environmental challenges and boost civic pride. Supported by DAERA, nine councils including Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and the Housing Executive, the awards highlight the power of collective action under the theme Community Connections.
This year’s ceremony will take place in February 2025 at Belfast City Hall, with sponsorship from Power NI.
Categories include ‘Regional Champions Awards,’ the ‘Community Together Award,’ the ‘Lasting Contribution Award,’ and the ‘Bright Future Award.’
Lynda Surgenor, Manager at Live Here Love Here, encourages nominations: “These awards serve as a vital reminder of the powerful impact that small, often unnoticed acts of care can have in shaping a healthier, more connected society and environment. At the heart of our ethos is the belief in loving where you live and feeling empowered to take positive environmental action. That’s why recognising the community organisations that work tirelessly, day in and day out, to improve their local spaces is so important.
“Whether it’s tackling dog fouling, litter-picking, enhancing biodiversity in neglected areas, planting native trees, or creating pollinator-friendly gardens, these groups are transforming their neighbourhoods in meaningful ways. We urge everyone to come forward and nominate local groups and community associations whose everyday efforts make Northern Ireland a cleaner, greener, and better place for all."
Winners will be announced on February 6, 2025, at an event hosted by Joe Mahon, featuring author Tony McAuley and local performers.
Submit nominations by December 1 at liveherelovehere.org
