Nominations are now open for the Live Here Love Here Community Awards
The nomination window for the 2025 Live Here Love Here Community Awards is now open, running until December 1st.
The awards, which are presented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), nine local councils, including Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Housing Executive, celebrate the outstanding efforts of community and voluntary groups across Northern Ireland who dedicate their time to tackle environmental challenges and foster civic pride in their communities.
This year’s Community Awards Ceremony will take place at Belfast City Hall in February 2025 and is generously supported by Power NI.
Live Here Love Here is a people-powered campaign focused on improving the local environment and building a sense of civic pride in local communities.
And the awards, exclusively open to groups, aim to recognise the power of collective action under the theme of Community Connections.Â
Nominations are now open in the following categories – the ‘Regional Champions Awards’ throughout 9 partner council areas, the ‘Community Together Award’ supported by Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the ‘Lasting Contribution Award’ supported by DAERA and the ‘Bright Future Award’ supported by Keep Northern Ireland beautiful.
Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, is calling on people across County Down to nominate their local eco-champions.
She said: “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.”
The winners will be announced on February 6, 2025, at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Joe Mahon at the iconic Belfast City Hall, featuring talks from notable guests like Tony McAuley, a celebrated local author and community champion, alongside entertainment from local community groups.
Nominations can be submitted at:
by Sunday 1st December.
About Live Here Love Here: Live Here Love Here offers a raft of volunteering opportunities to support individuals and groups across all stages of their environmental journeys. From organising or taking part in a one-off clean up with BIG Spring Clean, to creating healthier communities through Adopt A Spot, to encouraging others to step-up and take action through the Ambassador Programme.
