Ford launches community justice awards

Justice Minister David Ford today launched the annual Justice in the Community Awards.

Justice Minister David Ford today launched the annual Justice in the Community Awards.

The awards, which are now in their fifth year, provide an opportunity to acknowledge those within the voluntary and statutory sectors who have made a significant contribution to making their communities safer and better for everyone.

David Ford said: “In every part of Northern Ireland there are individuals working on a day and daily basis, often in a voluntary capacity, supporting the delivery of justice.

“Often their efforts go unnoticed and so the Justice in the Community Awards enables us to rightly recognise the work of those individuals. 

“I encourage anyone who is aware of an individual or group whose work has made a real difference to our community, to acknowledge that invaluable contribution by nominating them for a Justice in the Community Award.”

The awards are open to individuals or groups working in the voluntary, community and statutory sectors.  A top award of £1,000 will made to the overall winning team or individual to invest in their project. Highly Commended awards will also be made at the discretion of the independent judging panel.

Notes to editors: 

1.  The awards are targeted towards those engaged directly with the community working alongside the criminal justice system to support the delivery of justice, with an emphasis on members of the public and volunteers/staff in voluntary and community groups, but also including outstanding work of statutory sector staff.

2.  Previous winners have included a youth development worker using football as a medium to reducing anti-social behaviour; a community interface group working to rebuild communities affected by sectarianism; and an organisation offering community service placements to offenders.

3.  Brendan McGuigan, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, Una McKernan, Deputy Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, and Jim Smith, Project Manager for the Book Reserve and Thinking Cup Café – a social enterprise initiative providing employment to motivated young parents who have offended - will judge the nominations.

4.  Nomination forms are available from the NIDirect website at

• Justice Awards

Justice in the Community Awards
Department of Justice
Massey House
Stoney Road
Belfast
BT4 3SX

Or by email to: justiceawards@dojni.x.gsi.gov.uk

5.  All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444.Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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