DERRY City and Strabane District Council’s Youth 19 team were celebrating last night after coming out tops at the NI Local Government Awards 2020.
The Youth 19 Programme was named Best Local Authority Community Planning Initiative at the awards which took place last night in Belfast.
The Youth 19 team have been engaging widely with young people across Derry and Strabane, helping to motivate and empower them with an impressive programme of events and activities.
The year-long programme was dedicated to young people aged 12-24 and throughout 2019 the spotlight was placed on the positive contributions that young people are making to the local community and offering them the skills, experience and opportunity to take a leading role and Make Change Happen.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, led the congratulations, praising the work that has gone into engaging and supporting local young people over the past year.
“The NILGA Awards provide a great platform to highlight just a few of the wide spectrum of programmes and projects being delivered by local authorities that make a difference to people’s lives every day.
“I just want to extend my warm congratulations to the Youth 19 team who are deserving winners of the Best Local Authority Community Planning initiative.
“The programme has offered young people here the opportunity to find their voice and become involved at all levels in a wide range of activities and initiatives designed to empower and inspire.
“I want to thank all the young people who took part in the programme, they have really grasped this chance to challenge perceptions and prove the value of our young people in shaping the future of Derry and Strabane.
“Council will continue to explore new options to support and enhance the lives of local young people and involve them in civic life and decision making.”
The NILGA annual awards provide an opportunity for local Councils to showcase excellence and innovation in service provision, new initiatives and personal commitment from councils, councillors, staff and partners.
Four Council projects were shortlisted by the judges across three categories including the PCSP led Multi-Agency Support Hub, highlighted within the Best Local Authority Community Planning Initiative category.
While the Member Led Multi-Departmental Initiative on Bonfires was included among the candidates within the Best Local Authority Elected Member Development Initiative category.
The final selection was a special project aimed at tackling some of the environmental challenges faced by local councils – Combatting Climate Change.
Nominees were judged by an independent panel, and over 60 nominations were submitted across eight categories.
A full list of all the shortlisted projects can be found at www.nilga.org
