Seven individuals and organisations honoured for strengthening peacebuilding, inclusion and shared communities across Northern Ireland

Seven individuals and organisations from across Northern Ireland have been recognised for their work strengthening community relations and promoting a more inclusive society at the Good Relations Awards 2026.

The annual awards, organised by the Community Relations Council (CRC), celebrate the people, projects and organisations helping to build understanding and cooperation between communities.

From grassroots volunteers supporting migrant families to initiatives transforming shared spaces, this year’s recipients reflect the breadth of work taking place across the region to promote dialogue, celebrate cultural diversity and foster meaningful connections between communities.

“Since their establishment in 2006, the Good Relations Awards have helped shine a spotlight on the extraordinary work taking place in communities across Northern Ireland.

“This year’s winners reflect the breadth of that commitment, from decades of leadership in peacebuilding, to the voluntary work supporting migrant communities in the North West, and the emerging community leadership of young people who are helping to shape the future of shared communities.

“The work celebrated through these awards often happens away from the spotlight, yet its impact is profound. By recognising these achievements, we not only celebrate the winners themselves, we also acknowledge the wider community of people whose efforts continue to strengthen peace, understanding and cooperation across our society.”

Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council (CRC)

The awards recognise the growing impact of community-led peacebuilding work, highlighting those making a tangible difference by strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together.

“Each year the Good Relations Awards continue to go from strength to strength and the standard of nominations in 2026 was exceptional. The judging panel faced a very difficult task because every category featured inspiring examples of individuals and organisations making a real difference in their communities.

“This year’s theme, The Power of Everyday Peace, recognises something very important. Much of the work that strengthens our communities happens quietly and often goes unseen. Yet it is this everyday leadership, compassion and commitment that builds trust, promotes fairness and brings people together across difference.

“The winners we are celebrating today are truly deserving of recognition. Their work shows the positive impact that community leadership can have in strengthening relationships, encouraging understanding and helping to build a strong, interconnected and inclusive society and hope for how we might live together in a peaceful future.”

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council (CRC)

First established in 2006, the Good Relations Awards recognise individuals and organisations whose work promotes peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue and positive community relations across Northern Ireland.

By celebrating these local champions, the awards highlight how community leadership, cultural understanding and collaboration can help build a more inclusive and shared society for future generations.

Among those recognised was Brian Dougherty MBE, who received the Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award for Peacebuilding in recognition of more than 25 years dedicated to peacebuilding and community development across the region.

As Chief Executive of the North West Cultural Partnership, he has championed cultural expression as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation, helping communities engage constructively with identity, heritage and shared cultural space.

Jesus Castaneda was named Volunteer of the Year for his voluntary work supporting migrant communities across the North West.

Through his involvement with Filipino organisations Kabalikat and BIMAAK NI, he has helped new arrivals settle in Northern Ireland while promoting cultural awareness and community engagement across the region.

The Good Relations Youth Award was presented to Jordan Doran, whose work with Westland Community Group has brought young people from unionist, nationalist and ethnic minority backgrounds together through shared programmes and community initiatives.

At just 24 years old, he also helped secure £1.1 million in funding for a new shared community facility in Westland, creating a lasting resource for cross-community engagement.

Dr Marianne Doherty received the Community Champion Award for her pioneering work in prison-based education through the Ulster University Prison Project at HMP Magilligan. The initiative brings university students and people in custody together as equal participants in a shared learning environment, encouraging dialogue, empathy and understanding across social divides.

The Connecting Communities Award was presented to Newry Mela 2025, organised by the Newry Indian Arts Club.

The festival brought together more than 540 participants representing over 25 cultural communities, creating opportunities for residents to celebrate diversity through music, dance, food and cultural performance.

TAMHI (Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues) received the Sport for Good Award for its Shared Space Football Programme at Girdwood Community Hub in North Belfast.

Engaging more than 600 young people each year, the programme uses sport to promote positive relationships, leadership development and mental health awareness.

The Housing for All Award was presented to Valerie Walker, whose work within the shared housing scheme at Old Mill Court in Sion Mills has helped build a welcoming and inclusive community.

Through heritage projects, social initiatives and community events, she has helped residents from different backgrounds connect, build friendships and celebrate shared history.

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Good Relations Awards 2026 Winners

Click here to view the winners

 

Main Awards	Year
Dr Éamon Phoenix	2022
Baroness May Blood	2021
Paddy White	2020
Marion Jamison & Charmain Jones	2019
Eileen Weir	2018
Fr Gary Donegan	2017
Fr Martin Magill & Rev Stephen Stockman	2016
Maureen Hetherington	2015
Chris O’Halloran	2014
Jackie Patton & Michael Doherty	2013
Paul McCrory	2012
Rab McCallum & Michael Acheson	2011
Dr David Stevens & Mary Kelly	2010
Renee Crawford & Jean Brown	2009
Anne Carr	2008
Derick Wilson	2007
Eamonn Deane	2006

Pictured at the launch of the Good Relations Awards 2022 are (left to right): Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of CRC; Jacqueline Irwin, CEO of CRC; and previous Award winners Charmain Jones; Rev. Steve Stockman; Fr. Martin Magill; and Jackie Patton.

Recognising the good relations work that is transforming our communities.

The Good Relations Awards 2023 are now open for nominations. Building on the previous successes of the Community Relations Council Good Relations Awards, the 2023 Awards categories have been extended to fully recognise the increasing level of outstanding community relations, intercultural and peacebuilding work that is taking place across all our communities.

This crucial work is having a real impact, improving people’s lives and their outlook for the future, while also strengthening the community spirit in the places and spaces where we live, work, and play.

The Awards highlight the vital role of good relations in peace building and community cohesion, recognising the individuals who unite and champion our local communities, and the projects that connect us and drive our communities forward in peace, understanding and cultural respect.

The Awards categories are designed to recognise the exceptional commitment to good relations work, while also providing opportunities for those who go above and beyond every day, to step forward and shine.

This year also sees the introduction of Awards Partners who are encouraging local groups, individuals and organisations from across the region to get involved and to submit nominations for the 2023 Good Relations Awards programme.

Martin McDonald, MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said:

“The Community Relations Council is proud of the legacy of the Good Relations Award, which we have organised since 2006 to highlight exceptional achievements by local peacebuilders throughout the region. The 2023 Good Relations Awards, in partnership with The Executive Office, NICVA, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Youth Forum and Volunteer Now aims to highlight even more amazing individuals with five new Award Categories.

“The Good Relations Awards 2023 is an amazing opportunity to recognise the efforts of everyday people working from grassroots level and up, those tireless champions making a real difference to all our lives.

“This year we want to shine a light on the people who strive for good community relations for the betterment of us all.

“It is now more important than ever to recognise and reward these truly selfless champions of peace and reconciliation, and to learn from their shining examples.”