Community Safety Awards

Belfast Community Safety Partnership want to recognise the contribution young people have made to improving community safety in Belfast.

We asked to hear about individuals or groups of young people who have made a difference while working with a community group, voluntary organisation or through a school.

We have listed the gold awards for each of the categories listed below:

North Belfast

Winner: Newington Girls
This group of young women were nominated for their work with local police officers to help deliver a more tailored approach to policing on the Limestone Road. They held frank and open discussions with the police, tackling issues such as interface violence and antisocial behaviour.

South Belfast

Winner: Young people from the Safehaven Bus Belfast
This group of young people volunteer at weekends to help out on a bus which offers assistance and support to vulnerable people on a night out. Often working in a difficult environment, they give out food and drinks to help young people get home safely.

West Belfast

Winner: Springhill Young Men’s Group
This group have transformed a previous antisocial behaviour hotspot in Springhill Park into a Garden of Reflection for the whole community.

Since the garden opened in May 2009, this group of young men have worked hard to maintain it. They have organised events to raise funds for the project as well as initiatives promoting suicide awareness.

East Belfast

Winner: Active Youth
This group of 11 to 19 year olds organised a ‘Kidz Klub’ that takes place every Friday night.
Around 60 to 70 children attend, and the club leaders plan the weekly activities for the children, as well as cleaning up after them!

It is hoped that the group leaders will act as positive role models for the children, inspiring them to become youth leaders in the future.