Youth voices celebrated as Derry group shines on national stage
The prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards honors the North West Ministry of Youth alongside rural stalwarts Derg Valley Care Health Hub
Derry City and Strabane District Council has congratulated the North West Ministry of Youth following its outstanding success at the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards in Dublin, where the organisation was named runner-up in the Community Youth Initiative category.
The prestigious all-island awards, organised by Co-operation Ireland in partnership with local authorities and headline sponsor IPB Insurance, celebrate the exceptional work of community organisations that make a positive difference to people's lives and strengthen local communities.
Representing the Council area at this year's awards were the North West Ministry of Youth and Derg Valley Care Health Hub, both of whom were selected through a competitive process managed by the Council's Local Community Growth Planning Partnership Boards.
The North West Ministry of Youth was recognised for its innovative and youth-led work in ensuring that young people's voices are heard and represented in local decision-making. The organisation has played a key role in supporting Derry and Strabane's status as Ireland's first UNICEF Child Friendly Community and continues to champion opportunities for young people across the district.
Derg Valley Care Health Hub also proudly represented the district in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category, showcasing almost three decades of dedicated work supporting health, wellbeing and social inclusion in rural communities.
The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Catherine McDaid who attended the awards ceremony on behalf of the Council, congratulated both organisations on their achievements.
She said: “It was a privilege to attend the Pride of Place Awards and see at first-hand the incredible standard of community work being carried out across the island of Ireland. I would like to offer my congratulations to the North West Ministry of Youth on being named runner-up in the Community Youth Initiative category. This recognition is thoroughly deserved and reflects the passion, commitment and leadership shown by the young people involved in the organisation.
“I would also like to commend Derg Valley Care Health Hub for representing our district so positively on the national stage. Both organisations embody the spirit of community, inclusion and partnership that makes Derry and Strabane such a special place to live. Council is immensely proud of their achievements and the positive impact they continue to make in communities across our district.”
Declan Gallagher, Senior Youth Officer For Derry and Strabane with the North West Ministry of Youth said: “We are delighted to have been recognised at the Pride of Place Awards and honoured to have been named runner-up in the Community Youth Initiative category. This achievement belongs to all of the young people who have contributed their ideas, energy and commitment to making a difference in their communities.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners and look forward to continuing to ensure young voices help shape the future of Derry and Strabane.”