Derry City and Strabane District Council is calling on residents to nominate local voluntary groups for the Live Here Love Here Community Awards 2027, celebrating those who make a positive impact in their neighbourhoods.
Nominations are now open for the awards, which celebrate volunteer community groups making a difference for nature, the environment and their communities. Groups can nominate themselves, while members of the public and Council are also encouraged to put forward deserving organisations. Nominations close on Sunday 25 October.
Derry City and Strabane District Council sponsors the local Community Champion Award, which will recognise a winner and runner-up from the Council area. Nominations can also be submitted across three additional categories: the Bright Future Award, Community Together Award and Lasting Contribution Award.
Encouraging local people to get involved, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Grace Uí Niallais said:
“Across our Council area we have so many fantastic community and voluntary groups whose members give their time and energy to improve the places where they live and make a real difference for others. These awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge that contribution and celebrate the people who work tirelessly within our communities, particularly those helping to enhance our environment, protect nature and encourage greater community participation.
“I would encourage anyone who knows a local group whose work deserves recognition to put them forward for an award. I would also encourage groups themselves not to be shy about highlighting the work of their volunteers and the positive impact they are having within their communities.”
Last year, Hive Cancer Support was named Derry City and Strabane's Community Champion for its volunteer led work involving organic gardening, biodiversity projects and educational outreach, while the North West Red Squirrel Group was runner-up in recognition of its community engagement, habitat management, educational activities and wildlife conservation work.
Culmore Community Partnership was also recognised with the Community Together Award for its work bringing residents together to improve local public spaces, protect wildlife, encourage environmental education and strengthen community connections.
Other award categories include the Bright Future Award, recognising newer community groups showing exceptional potential and enthusiasm for environmental volunteering; the Community Together Award that recognises a community group promoting positive community relations through environmental action and the Lasting Contribution Award that recognises groups demonstrating a long-term commitment to its local area through sustained volunteer action.
Nominations are open to volunteer groups and groups are welcome to self-nominate. Nominations close on Sunday 25 October.
For further information and to submit a nomination, visit the website at - Live Here Love Here | Community Awards
