Northern Ireland’s premier Awards for peacebuilding will spotlight “Building Belonging Across Every Community” as nominations open with eight categories.
The Good Relations Awards 2027 are now open for nominations, inviting the public to shine a light on the dedicated individuals, educators, groups and projects working tirelessly to build lasting peace and foster inclusion throughout the region.
Delivered by the Community Relations Council (CRC) in partnership with The Executive Office (TEO), the Awards are the premier platform for recognising the vital role that grassroots and community-led efforts play in fostering mutual understanding, respect and cultural diversity. This year’s focus is on “Building Belonging Across Every Community”, celebrating transformative work that bridges divides to create shared spaces in our communities and schools.
Martin McDonald, MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said:
“A truly peaceful and shared future is built when every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging within their community. Across Northern Ireland, countless unsung heroes – from grassroots volunteers and youth leaders to housing groups, sports clubs, and educators – are working every day to break down barriers, challenge prejudice, and foster mutual respect.
“With the exciting expansion of the Good Relations Awards to eight categories this year, we have an even greater opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond to bring people together. We urge everyone in the region to take a moment and nominate someone who is building belonging and making a real, positive difference in their local community.”
Eight Categories to Honour Community Impact
The Awards feature eight categories designed to recognise diverse aspects of good relations work:
1. The Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award (Peacebuilding) – Recognising individuals demonstrating sustained, long-term commitment to developing new pathways to peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland and/or across the Border.
2. Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award – Delivered in association with Volunteer Now to recognise an unpaid individual volunteer who brings people together and strengthens cultural expression and diversity.
3. Good Relations Community Champion Award – Delivered in association with NICVA to recognise a driving force and leader for good relations who champions mutual respect and understanding in their local area.
4. Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25) – Delivered in association with NI Youth Forum to celebrate young people, youth clubs, schools, or youth-focused organisations delivering positive peacebuilding work.
5. Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award – Delivered in association with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland to recognise a local project or activity that brings communities and generations together.
6. Good Relations ‘Housing for All’ Award – Delivered in association with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to showcase volunteers and groups building sustainable, shared communities through the Shared Housing Programme.
7. Good Relations Sport for Good Award – Delivered in association with Sported to celebrate community sports clubs and organisations using physical activity to build bridges and instil positive social impact.
8. Good Relations Peacebuilding Through Education Award – Delivered in association with the Education Authority to recognise teachers and school leaders championing good relations, shared learning and inclusion.
New for 2027 is the Good Relations Peacebuilding Through Education Award category, which is delivered in partnership with the Education Authority (EA). This category recognises the outstanding contribution of a classroom teacher, middle leader, senior leader, or principal who supports children and young people to build understanding, respect, and positive relationships within their own school community and with others.
Celebrating the launch of the new category, Jayne Simms from the Education Authority said:
“Education plays a foundational role in shaping a more inclusive, respectful, and cohesive society. Every day across our schools, dedicated teachers and school leaders go above and beyond to create safe, shared spaces for collaborative learning and mutual understanding – connecting children, young people, families, and the wider community across different backgrounds and traditions. That is why the Education Authority is proud to partner with the Community Relations Council on the inaugural Good Relations Peacebuilding Through Education Award, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the educators who are nurturing belonging and building lasting relationships for future generations.”
The Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to bridge divides and champion inclusivity. Winners in each category will receive a commemorative trophy in recognition of their exceptional commitment.
Chris Gardner, Director of Good Relations and T:BUC, The Executive Office (TEO), said:
“The Good Relations Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the individuals and organisations helping to build a shared community where everyone feels they belong. Their work brings people together, strengthens relationships, builds community cohesion and encourages mutual respect and understanding. I encourage everyone to nominate those whose commitment to good relations is making a positive difference in their communities, and to help give that work the recognition it deserves.”
If you know a local individual, educator, group, or organisation in the region that deserves recognition for their outstanding commitment to peacebuilding, nominate them today. Visit here to nominate now – https://goodrelationsawards.com.
The closing date for nominations is 12 Noon, Thursday 17 December 2026.
