Winners - Good Relations Awards 2027

Highly Commended

Sport for Good Award ・ 2026

Calvin McCullough

Calvin McCullough is a dedicated youth worker transforming lives across Northern Ireland through his unwavering commitment to good relations and community reconciliation. Using boxing, youth work and sport as powerful vehicles for breaking down sectarian barriers. Over seven years, Calvin has engaged more than 150+ young people, creating safe spaces where former adversaries become teammates and friends. Through strategic partnerships with boxing and youth clubs from both sides of the divide, he facilitates meaningful cross-community connections that extend far beyond the gym. His groundbreaking international exchange to the USA exemplifies his vision of young people united rather than divided. A retired boxer himself, Calvin understands the discipline, respect, and resilience that boxing instills. He’s creating the next generation of champions not just in the ring, but as peacebuilders, leaders, and ambassadors for a shared, peaceful Northern Ireland.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25) ・ 2026

Youth Initiatives Downpatrick Youth Initiatives Downpatrick

In 2007, Youth Initiatives Downpatrick began its work through various churches within the area and has grown in numbers and recognition over time. Their work brings people into positive environments, where their sense of belonging and aspirations are heard, encouraged and supported. Their Good Relations Projects have improved participants skills such as teamwork, communication and self-confidence. The work of Youth Initiatives Downpatrick has made a significant impact across community divides by promoting diversity and fostering a sense of belonging, while empowering young people to become active contributors to a more inclusive and cohesive society. Youth Initiatives Downpatrick has shown a continued dedication to Good Relations work and has made lasting positive impact, promoting inclusion, understanding, and collaboration among young people and strengthening community connections across Downpatrick.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award ・ 2026

Gwen Garrett

Gwen Garrett has dedicated over 40 years to Omagh Riding for the Disabled Association, serving as a founding volunteer and the organisation’s backbone. Her commitment spans every aspect of the charity—managing horses, organising riding sessions for children and adults with disabilities, supporting volunteers, and handling essential administrative duties as Treasurer. Gwen’s tireless efforts ensure that Omagh RDA remains a safe, inclusive space where diversity is embraced and celebrated. Through her leadership and hands-on involvement, Gwen has created a community built on mutual respect and understanding. She brings together people from different backgrounds and abilities, fostering friendships and breaking down barriers. Her work promotes equality and inclusion, challenging stereotypes and encouraging empathy. Gwen’s dedication has not only sustained Omagh RDA for four decades but has transformed it into a model of good relations and peacebuilding within the local community.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Community Champion Award ・ 2026

Valerie Jenkins

Mrs Valerie Jenkins has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to strengthening mutual respect and understanding within the Ballyclare community. As a founding member of the Ollardale Community Group, she has helped create a welcoming hub where people of all ages and backgrounds come together through activities such as family fun days, senior citizens’ dinners, tea dances, quizzes, educational trips, and seasonal celebrations. Her support for initiatives including British Sign Language courses and wreath-making workshops has encouraged shared learning and interaction, while the establishment of the Community Garden has provided a collaborative space that fosters pride, wellbeing, and community connection. Valerie’s 43 years on the Ballyclare May Fair Committee have also helped preserve an important cultural tradition that unites the town annually. Through her sustained commitment, she has consistently promoted inclusion, strengthened relationships, and created opportunities for meaningful engagement, leaving a profound and positive impact on community life in Ballyclare.

Highly Commended

Good Relations ‘Housing for All’ Award ・ 2026

Loughries Men Shed

Loughries Men’s Shed is a passionate group of local volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact in their community. Through practical projects, gardening, and music, they create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, fostering understanding, respect, and inclusion. At the same time, the Shed provides its members with a welcoming space to connect, socialize, and support each other, improving well-being and building stronger community bonds.

1st Place Winner

Good Relations ‘Housing for All’ Award ・ 2026

Valerie Walker

Valerie Walker, a resident of the Housing for All scheme at Old Mill Court, Sion Mills, has demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering good relations and building a shared, inclusive community. Through her leadership in heritage projects such as “Tramway Tales” and the historic cricket club initiative, she has highlighted shared local history, promoting mutual understanding and respect across community divides. Valerie runs a weekly social club for older residents and leads annual Christmas, Summer, and Halloween tenant events, creating welcoming spaces that reduce isolation, encourage participation, and strengthen cross-community relationships. She has also spearheaded charitable activities, including daffodil planting for Foyle Hospice, and innovative projects like “Voices Without Borders,” bringing refugees and asylum seekers together with local residents to share experiences and challenge stereotypes. Through these initiatives, Valerie has actively fostered empathy, understanding, and cohesion. Her practical, hands-on approach ensures diversity is celebrated, barriers are broken down, and Old Mill Court thrives as a resilient, respectful, and sustainable shared community.

1st Place Winner

Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award ・ 2026

Newry Indian Arts Club

Newry Mela 2025, organised by the Newry Indian Arts Club, celebrated the vibrant cultural diversity of Newry and Mourne, bringing together over 540 participants from cultural, ethnic, and religious communities. The festival provided a lively, inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds could enjoy music, dance, art, and international cuisine. The Mela went beyond entertainment to promote mutual respect, understanding, and friendship. Through workshops, performances, and community engagement activities, participants were able to share their heritage, learn about others, and form lasting relationships. Minority and migrant communities were empowered to showcase their traditions, while young people gained confidence, leadership skills, and volunteering opportunities. By celebrating diversity, encouraging inclusion, and fostering collaboration across communities, Newry Mela 2025 strengthened community cohesion and good relations. Organised by Newry Indian Arts Club, the festival stands as a model of how cultural celebration can bring communities together and inspire social harmony.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25) ・ 2026

REACH Across Good Relations Group 2025

The REACH Across Good Relations Group was formed in 2025 to be part of our 30th Anniversary of cross-community youth work. Over the past year the group have helped with and participated in a wide range of activities, events and workshops, aimed at promoting local and international Good Relations. The impact and benefit of the group and the project over the past year include a) increased cross-community and good relations opportunities for Members b) increased awareness, understanding and respect of cultural diversity and traditions c) positive change amongst young people in relation to attitude, language, sectarianism and racism d) increased willingness to attend or participate in multi-cultural events

Highly Commended

Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award ・ 2026

Siju George

Siju George is an international nurse and full-time healthcare professional with a deep commitment to supporting colleagues and promoting equality. As a UNISON steward and Equality Coordinator, he champions inclusion, fairness, and the rights of all staff, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups. Beyond his professional work, Siju is the Chief Organiser of Newry Mela and Secretary of the Newry Indian Arts Club, where he plays a pivotal role in celebrating cultural diversity and fostering community cohesion. Through these events, he brings people from diverse backgrounds together, creating inclusive spaces that encourage mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. Siju’s leadership inspires engagement, strengthens social bonds, and ensures that cultural celebrations are accessible and welcoming to everyone. His dedication to both his profession and community makes him a true ambassador for diversity, inclusion, and unity.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Community Champion Award ・ 2026

Ulster GAA Ulster GAA

Ulster GAA’s Cúchulainn Initiative is an outstanding example of sport being used as a catalyst for good relations, social cohesion and community transformation. By bringing together pupils from controlled and maintained schools, the programme creates mixed cross-community teams where all participants begin on an equal footing and learn new skills together. For Bangor Academy and St Columbanus College, the initiative fostered deep, meaningful relationships through taster sessions, multi-week coaching, good-relations activities and major shared experiences such as competing in the All-Britain Games. Pupils travelled, lived and played as one team, the Bangor Cúchulainn’s, forming genuine friendships that continued voluntarily after the programme. The Initiative challenges old divisions, encourages open dialogue about identity and culture, and builds respect through shared goals. It strengthens connections not only between young people but also between schools, families and the wider community. Ulster GAA’s commitment to inclusion, respect and cross-community leadership is evident at every stage of the project. Their work has positively impacted hundreds of young people and continues to model how sport can break down barriers and build a more united and resilient society.