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

Building Bridges, Celebrating Unity: Good Relations Awards 2026 Now Open

Northern Ireland’s premier Awards for peacebuilding will spotlight “The Power of Everyday Peace” in transforming local communities.

The Power of Everyday Peace

The Good Relations Awards 2026 are now open for nominations, inviting the public to shine a light on the dedicated individuals, groups, and projects working tirelessly to build lasting peace 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 efforts play in fostering understanding, respect and cultural diversity here. This year’s focus is on “The Power of Everyday Peace”, celebrating the consistent, tireless efforts that bridge divides.

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

“The pursuit of peace and a truly shared future isn’t achieved in grand gestures, but in the countless, everyday acts of understanding, bridge-building, and collaboration across our communities. The Good Relations Awards are our chance to stop, recognise, and deeply thank these unsung heroes. We urge everyone in the region to take a moment and nominate someone who is making a real, positive difference in their local area.”

Seven Categories to Honour Community Impact

The Awards feature seven categories designed to recognise diverse aspects of good relations work:

1. The Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award
2. Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award
3. Good Relations Community Champion Award
4. Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25)
5. Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award
6. Good Relations ‘Housing for All’ Award
7. Sport for Good Award.

New for 2026 is the Sport for Good Award category which is delivered in partnership with Sported.

Celebrating the launch of the new category, Judith Rankin from Sported said:

“Sport has an unparalleled ability to unite people from all backgrounds around a common goal while also transforming lives. Local clubs, coaches, and volunteers use this power as an extraordinary vehicle to break down barriers, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen communities despite the many challenges and pressures that these organisations face. That is why Sported is proud to partner with the Community Relations Council on the inaugural Sport for Good Award, celebrating the life-changing benefits created by these local heroes.”

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.

If you know a local individual, group, or organisation in the region that deserves recognition for their outstanding commitment to peacebuilding, nominate them today: please visit https://goodrelationsawards.com/ 

The closing date for nominations is Monday 19 January 2026 at 12 noon.

Communities across the region are celebrating as six outstanding individuals and organisations have been recognised for their dedication to transforming society through good relations work at the Good Relations Awards 2025.

The Awards presentation event, held on Tuesday 25th March at Shankill Shared Women’s Centre, was co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and designed to recognise those who go above and beyond in building more united communities together. 

This year’s Awards attracted entries from across the region and showcased the growing impact of community relations, intercultural initiatives and peacebuilding efforts that are making a tangible difference in people’s lives, strengthening community bonds and shaping a more positive future.

The Awards featured six categories of Community Champion, Volunteer of the Year, Youth Award, Connecting Communities, Housing for All, and the Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award for peacebuilding.

The event was attended by the Awards Partners, including Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), Volunteer Now, NI Youth Forum, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI), and The Housing Executive. 

Each organisation played a key role in encouraging local groups, individuals and organisations from across the region to participate and submit nominations for the 2025 Good Relations Awards programme.

Junior Minister Pam Cameron said:

“The Good Relations Awards are a celebration of the incredible and positive good relations work being undertaken and provide an opportunity to recognise the individuals who unite and champion our local communities, and the projects that connect us and drive us forward in peace, understanding and cultural respect. 

“I want to congratulate all those nominated for their hard work, commitment, and dedication – your ongoing efforts are vital as we continue our journey together towards a peaceful and shared society.”

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said:

“Through the Together: Building a United Community Strategy we are committed to working with all partners to deliver a shared society and better future for everyone here, and the extended Good Relations Awards programme provides the perfect opportunity to extend this partnership working.

“As we celebrate this year’s nominees and award winners, I want to commend all the people and projects who are delivering vital good relations work across our communities, helping to create a united, fair and equal society.”

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

“Since their inception in 2006, the Good Relations Awards have played a pivotal role in recognising and sustaining peacebuilding efforts across the region. These awards do more than celebrate achievements – they inspire others to act, strengthening the bonds that unite us all while fostering a more inclusive society.

“The Good Relations Awards 2025 shine a well-deserved spotlight on the unsung heroes of our communities – those who work every day to bridge divides, nurture understanding and create lasting change. Their dedication to promoting peace and cultural respect is truly remarkable and their efforts are instrumental in shaping a better future for all.

“The Community Relations Council is honoured to help acknowledge the exceptional individuals and groups who lead by example, demonstrating the power of unity and resilience. I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to the award winners and my sincere appreciation to everyone who submitted nominations. I’m delighted to celebrate these local champions and continue supporting their vital work in building a shared and sustainable peace for generations to come.”

Good Relations Award 2025 Winners

CRC Exceptional Achievement Award

Kathy Wolff

Volunteer of the Year

Cooper McClure

Youth Award

Emma Baptista

Community Champion

Jonah Atos

Connecting Communities

Jubilee Community

Housing for All

Portstewart Community Association

The Good Relations Awards 2024 are now open for nominations. The Awards will spotlight the vital role that members of the community throughout Northern Ireland play in delivering peacebuilding and community cohesion.

The Good Relations Awards are run annually by the Community Relations Council in partnership with The Executive Office (TEO). They recognise exceptional commitment to Good Relations work by those selfless individuals who go above and beyond, every single day, to make Northern Ireland a better place. The Awards celebrate those who unite and champion our local communities, and they also showcase the wide range of projects connecting communities though peace, understanding and cultural respect.

This crucial everyday peacebuilding work has an immense impact on all our lives, strengthening our sense of community in the places we live, work and play, as well as building towards a lasting and sustainable peace for all.

Building on the success of the expanded 2023 Good Relations Awards, this year there are five Award categories which will recognise the huge level of outstanding community relations, intercultural and peacebuilding work undertaken in local communities throughout Northern Ireland.

There are five award categories: The Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award; Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award; Good Relations Community Champion Award; Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25); and the Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award.

Each of the Award categories is supported by a partner organisation: Volunteer Now; NICVA; NI Youth Forum, and Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

If you know a local group, individual or organisation in Northern Ireland deserving of recognition for their work, then nominate now for the 2024 Good Relations Awards. The closing date for nominations is Tuesday 19 December 2024 at 12 noon.

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

“The Community Relations Council is proud that we have delivered the Good Relations Award since 2006 to highlight exceptional achievements by local peacebuilders throughout Northern Ireland. The Good Relations Awards 2024 continues to expand this recognition of the wonderful work that goes on every day. We now work in partnership to deliver the Awards with TEO, NICVA, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, NI Youth Forum, and Volunteer Now.

“The Good Relations Awards 2024 is a great opportunity to recognise the efforts of the people dedicated to delivering peacebuilding every day in Northern Ireland. This is to showcase those people working in our local communities, from grassroots level and upwards, who are tireless champions of peace and dedicated to making a real difference to all our lives.  

“We are keenly aware that many are currently experiencing challenging conditions, such as the cost-of-living crisis, and this affects peacebuilding groups too as they navigate a particularly difficult funding environment. It is more important than ever to highlight the people who are making a difference and helping to build lasting peace throughout the region. Nominate someone now at https://goodrelationsawards.com.”

Chris Gardner, Director of Good Relations and T:BUC Division TEO, said:

“Now, more than ever, having healthy, connected and welcoming communities is a crucial part of the fabric of our society. Through the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy, The Executive Office is committed to improving community relations and continuing our shared purpose to improve people’s lives.

“We are committed to working together, and with new and existing partners, to deliver a shared society for everyone. The extended Good Relations Awards programme, now in its second year, provides a vital opportunity for TEO to expand our partnership working and to come together to offer public recognition for the vital good relations work taking place in communities across the region.

“The Awards will also provide inspiration and opportunities to showcase best practice and shared learning opportunities for others to follow and I would encourage those working in good relations across the sector to put forward their nominations as soon as possible.”

Deadline for completed applications: Tuesday 19 December 2023 at 12 noon.
 
Nominate today – please visit www.goodrelationsawards.com

The winners and highly commended awardees at the Good Relations Awards 2023 ceremony, which took place in Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office.

Recognising the good relations work and people that are transforming our communities.

Communities across Northern Ireland are celebrating today as the five award category winners of the Good Relations Awards 2023 were announced. The event, hosted by Jo Scott from the BBC, was held at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office on Tuesday 7 March 2023.

The Awards are co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and in partnership with The Executive Office. This year the extended award categories attracted 53 entries and showcased the increasing level of outstanding community relations, intercultural and peacebuilding work that is taking place across all our communities.

The Awards have showcased the crucial work that is having a real impact in our society, 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.

They also highlighted 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.

This year’s categories were 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. We also welcomed our Awards Partners, who encouraged local groups, individuals and organisations from across the region to get involved and to submit nominations for the 2023 Good Relations Awards programme. The partners are Volunteer Now, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), NI Youth Forum and Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI).

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 Northern Ireland. The newly expanded 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 across five Award Categories.  

“The Good Relations Awards 2023 recognises the growing diversity of our society and the huge efforts of everyday people working from grassroots level and upwards making a real difference to all our lives.

“This year our Awards cover everything from sport, health, housing, education, arts, and culture, with both a rural and urban focus. We’d also like to thank Local Authorities for the great response we got with their nominations.

“The Good Relations Awards 2023 will shine a light on the people who strive for good community relations and set a positive example for us all.” 

Chris Gardner, Director of Good Relations and T:BUC Division TEO, said:

“Through the ‘Together: Building a United Community’ (T:BUC) Strategy, The Executive Office (TEO) is committed to improving community relations and continuing our shared purpose to improve people’s well-being.

“This years extended Good Relations Awards programme has provided an opportunity for TEO to expand our partnership working, and today we came together to offer public recognition and celebrate the vital good relations work taking place across our communities.

“Communities across Northern Ireland continue to undertake vital work and dedicate time and resources in order to improve their local communities and it was great today to take time to recognise the ongoing efforts.”

Notes

The Awards five categories and partners bodies supporting the Awards are:

Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award (peace building) – (Partner: Community Relations Council)

Winner: Angila Chada

Runners Up: Maureen O’Gorman and Mary Hogg

 

Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award – (Partner: Volunteer Now)

Winner: Adekanmi Abayomi

Runners Up: Dr Mukesh Chugh and Hazel McGuigan

 

Good Relations Community Champion Award – (Partner: NICVA)

Winner: Nicole Sloan

Runners Up: Mary Lafferty and Orla Hawkins

 

Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25) – (Partner: NI Youth Forum)

Winner: Aaron Smith

Runners Up: VOYPIC Women’s Group (Under 25s) and St Johns and Killowen Primary Schools pupils

 

Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award – (Partner: Community Foundation for Northern Ireland)

Winner: Dennett Valley Healthy Network, Damien Devine

Runners Up: Principals (Darren Mornin and Rita Moore) Limavady High School and St. Mary’s High School, Limavady and TADA Rural Support Network, Geraldine Lawless

 

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.”