COMMUNITY spirit in Killyleagh has been recognised as a shining example at a recent award ceremony.
Killyleagh Community Association took the top spot in the Community Spirit section of this year’s Housing Executive’s Rural Community Awards, securing a prize of £1,000.
Committed to working collaboratively the Association provides a wide range of services to enable new residents to integrate into the area and existing residents to overcome isolation.
Recent developments include the creation of a ‘Community Connections’ website: killyleaghandshrigley.co.uk which provides a directory of services in the area.
Held this year in The Seamus Heaney Centre, Bellaghy, the annual Rural Community Awards provides a showcase for individuals and groups undertaking outstanding volunteering work at grassroots level in rural areas across Northern Ireland, helping maintain local neighbourhoods and boosting civic pride.
Sean O’Brien said winning the Community Spirit award is a huge deal.
“We work very closely with the Housing Executive on several initiatives and appreciate their attendance and support at our annual gathering which celebrates local groups, volunteers and the collective spirit of the area.
“This popular informal event provides opportunities to meet other residents, connect with support agencies and avail of taster sessions for our activities which reduces the barriers to engaging in future events for the socially marginalised.
“Since completing our directory and website, KCA have been very intentional about strengthening partnerships across the community which led to us carrying out a needs assessment of the area.
“Mental health and emotional wellbeing as well as isolation and loneliness were identified as our grassroot community needs and we are dedicated to providing services that will target these going forward,” he added.
Claire Crainey, Housing Executive South Down area manager said: “A very big well done to the Association on their well-deserved award as they took the top prize in our Community Spirit section.
“The impact this group has within their local community is huge and their efforts to provide opportunities for residents are much valued. We have enjoyed a taster of the services they have on offer at their much-anticipated annual community event.
“We are committed to supporting the group to continue to make a difference within their local community and are delighted they have been recognised through this award.”
