In recognition of the invaluable work of the homelessness sector in the Council area, the Housing Executive, in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, hosted an awards night in the Guildhall this week.
Led by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy and Eddie Doherty, Housing Executive West Area Manager, the awards night on Wednesday 7th December saw 12 worthy winners receive awards following nominations from their peers.
Award categories included Assisting Refugees and Migrants, Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence, Supporting Families in Need, Supporting Men & Women with Addictions, Supporting Young People, Hostel Warden of the Year, Above and Beyond, Mental Health Support Worker, Delivering through Adversity, Inclusivity Programme and Team of the Year.
Mayor Duffy congratulated the winners on the night, while also recognising the hard work from everyone across the sector.
She said: “The staff of local statutory, community and voluntary aid and support services, including shelters and missions, work hard all year round to provide aid and support services for people who find themselves homeless.
“There are a wide range of services and partnership working involved to address many of the complex needs experienced.”
The awards event took place during Homelessness Awareness Week (HAW22) which seeks to raise awareness of the reality of homelessness in Northern Ireland, challenge stereotypes around homelessness and highlight the invaluable work of the homelessness sector in Northern Ireland.
West Area Manager for the Housing Executive, Eddie Doherty, also congratulated the winners, saying:
“It’s been a pleasure to co-host these awards and recognise the great work that people across the homelessness sector for on a daily basis.
“Everyone who needs homeless assistance is treated with dignity and respect, often in challenging and stressful circumstances, so it’s important to work collaboratively to help anyone facing homelessness.
“Congratulations to everyone involved, they deserve the praise and recognition for all the hard work they do.”
The theme of HAW22, which takes place from the 5th until the 11th December, is ‘Have the Conversation’.
Mayor Duffy added: “We want to see people right across the city and district talking about the reality of homelessness and how we can work together to prevent it.
“Individuals and families can find themselves homeless due to no fault of their own.
“It might be social causes such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, unemployment or unpredictable life events.
“They could be forced into homelessness as a result of having escaped a violent or abusive relationship. We need to remove the stigma around homelessness and work together to prevent it entirely.”
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