Connor Philips, Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Al Mennie, Mimi Turtle, Strand Arts Centre, Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour, Anne Delaney, New Lodge Arts and Lisa McIlvenna, BITC, joined more than 100 representatives from community groups across Northern Ireland at the Belfast Harbour Office for a special event to discuss the future of community engagement and hear how Belfast Harbour’s Community Awards have made a difference to recipients’ projects.
Presented by Connor Philips, guests heard from Big Wave Surfer and Community Activist Al Mennie, enjoyed a lively panel discussion featuring Mimi Turtle, Strand Arts Centre, Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour, Anne Delaney, New Lodge Arts and Lisa McIlvenna, BITC, and had the opportunity to connect with others.
“The evening was a chance for people, who make a positive impact in their community, to come together to acknowledge and celebrate that,” said Jenny Barkley, Community Engagement Manager, Belfast Harbour. “Our inspirational guests undoubtedly left everyone energised and inspired!”
Now in their fifth year, the Belfast Harbour Community Awards have awarded funding to over 120 groups distributing almost £400,000 to help fund community-focused services from wellbeing initiatives to community gardens and employability projects. A further £50,000 will be available in the second round of funding which will open later this year. For more information, please visit Belfast Harbour | Community.