Inspiring Community Initiatives nominated for prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards

Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced the nomination of two exceptional local projects for the IPB Pride of Place Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony 2025.

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s entries were selected through a rigorous process undertaken by the Local Community Growth Planning Partnership Boards, who were invited to nominate initiatives under the themes of Inclusive Communities and Community Youth Initiatives for the urban and rural areas respectively.

Following that process the Council put forward the following two groups: The Waterside Shared Village in the Cities Competition - Inclusive Communities and Enagh Youth Forum in the Main Competition - Community Youth Initiative.

The prestigious awards, presented by Co-operation Ireland and its local authority partners with headline sponsor IPB Insurance, celebrate the outstanding work being done by communities across the island of Ireland. The ceremony will take place on Friday, November 7, at the Limerick Strand Hotel, hosted by Limerick City and County Council.

The Waterside Shared Village initiative is nominated under the 'Inclusive Communities' category. Operating at a designated interface between Top of the Hill and Irish Street, the project is dedicated to fostering better understanding of cultural diversity and promoting safe, shared spaces. Their work directly addresses the legacy of the past by encouraging collaboration and normalising the movement of people between these two marginalised communities.

The Waterside Shared Village seeks to build positive relationships through partnership, networking, and dialogue, targeting commonality of interest to address the fear, mistrust, and lack of communication that has historically inhibited equality and respect.

Nominated in the 'Community Youth Initiative' category, Enagh Youth Forum, based within the Faughan District Electoral Area (DEA), exemplifies the power of a ‘Youth Led’ approach. Their mission is to include, engage, collectively empower, and value local rural young people, helping them find their role and responsibility in their community.

The Forum supports young people to take the lead in planning and delivering their own services, focusing on positive outcomes for both young people and the wider community, including through environmental projects. Non-judgemental and respectful, Enagh Youth Forum is driven by the dream of helping young people collectively to empower themselves, focusing on the positive and believing in the possible.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh extending his congratulations to both groups said: "I am hugely proud that Derry City and Strabane District Council will be represented at the IPB Pride of Place Awards by two such inspiring and vital initiatives.

"Waterside Shared Village and Enagh Youth Forum are truly outstanding examples of community spirit in action, demonstrating the incredible dedication and resilience of our local people. Their work in building a shared, inclusive future and empowering our rural youth is transformative.

"I want to also acknowledge their funders and the important role they have played in supporting these organisations. They are already winners in the eyes of our community, and I wish them the very best of luck in Limerick this November."

Paul Hughes from Enagh Youth Forum said: “Enagh Youth Forum is delighted and honoured to have been nominated by Derry City and Strabane District Council for this year’s prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards. This nomination is a wonderful recognition of the passion, commitment and hard work of the young people involved in Enagh Youth Forum.

"Over the summer months, our members took part in a wide range of social action projects designed to make a real difference in their community. From environmental clean ups, planting projects and awareness campaigns to creative initiatives promoting safety and well-being, their shared goal has been to help make Strathfoyle a cleaner, greener and safer place for everyone.

“At the heart of Enagh Youth Forums work is the belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but active citizens today, capable of shaping and strengthening their communities.

"The projects undertaken this summer highlight the power of youth voices and the positive impact they can achieve when given the opportunity to lead and take action. We are proud that the efforts of our young people are being recognised on such a respected platform, and we thank Derry City and Strabane District Council for their continued support.

"The nomination is not only a celebration of our youth but also of the wider community who have encouraged and supported them along the way. Enagh Youth Forum looks forward to representing Strathfoyle and the Council area at the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025, and to continue our mission of empowering young people to build a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future."

Niree Mc Morris and Geraldine Doherty from the Waterside Shared Village said: "It is an absolute honour for Waterside Shared Village to reach the finals of the IPB Pride of Place Awards and we are thankful for the support and encouragement that has helped us get here.

"The Waterside Shared Village is founded on values that have been developed through our vision for positive change within the Top of the Hill and Irish Street. It is a story of how grassroots, community organisations were able to draw upon the support of local residents and local voluntary organisations while at the same time harnessing the support of Peace IV, to bring this project to a successful accomplishment."