THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, has extended his best wishes to two local community projects who have been shortlisted for the 2020 IPB Insurance Pride of Place Awards.
The Awards promote and celebrate the best in community development and recognise the selfless efforts of people in making their local area a better place to live, work and socialise.
Older People North West – Age Concern Derry, and Learmount Dementia Hub have both been selected from hundreds of entries as finalists in the virtual ceremony which takes place on Saturday November 21.
Ireland’s largest Community Awards will this year honour communities across the island for their work during the Covid-19 crisis.
Wishing the groups the very best of luck, Mayor Tierney said that both organisations had made an invaluable contribution to their communities.
“I am absolutely delighted to see such worthy organizations shortlisted for the Pride of Place Awards,” he said.
“The community response to the Covid19 crisis has been truly remarkable here in Derry and Strabane, and both these groups have had a key role in meeting the very different needs of people living in both urban and rural areas.
“Despite pressures on resources, these organisations have kept people connected, ensured they have been able to enjoy activities and provided them with a lifeline at a time when some older people had nowhere else to turn for support.
“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and wish them the very best in Saturday’s Awards.”
Older People North West Age Concern have been shortlisted in the category of best Community Wellbeing Initiative for their work to keep older people connected and supported during Covid19.
The group extended their meals on wheels service, as well as providing activity packs, treats, birthday gifts and other aid for older people isolating during the pandemic, providing a listening ear and much needed personal contact.
Also included in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category, Learmount Dementia Hub offers much needed support to families living with dementia in rural communities, who have trouble accessing services.
Since March the group have assisted in collecting and delivering prescriptions, made Good Morning/Afternoon calls, and delivered food boxes to the most vulnerable.
They have also engaged with clients through Zoom classes with online tutorials in Art, Yoga, Book Club, as well as online classes for kids, parents etc.
Both groups were nominated for their work by Derry City and Strabane District Council who have been working closely with a network of community and voluntary groups throughout the pandemic.
They are among 82 groups nominated in the 18th Awards event which will be hosted by RTE’s Marty Morrissey and streamed online at www.prideofplace.ie
Pride of Place Chairperson Tom Dowling said: “The purpose of these awards has never changed.
“They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational and tireless work being done by communities all over the Island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.
“This year more than ever, the work of our communities was even more important as they managed the challenge of Covid-19 and ensured our vulnerable people were looked after.
“We are proud to have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate all the wonderful communities who participated in this year’s awards.”
Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland added: “Co-operation Ireland has no other programme that embodies the charity’s ethos better than Pride of Place and in 2020 it’s even more important it takes place to recognise the huge efforts of ordinary people during the pandemic.
“The impact Pride of Place has had in towns and villages across the island since it started in 2003 cannot be underestimated, and its continuing success is down to the dedicated volunteers and their love of where they live.”
George Jones, Chairman of IPB Insurance, said: “IPB Insurance is proud to be associated as title sponsors of the IPB Pride of Place Awards and more importantly what they represent.
“It is clear that working together and getting things done increases people’s pride in where they live and in turn helps build vibrant communities.
“As a mutual insurer that insures local authorities and their communities across Ireland, these awards are excellent partnership.”
For more information on the 2020 IPB Pride of Place Awards, go to: www.prideofplace.ie/
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