Community Relations Council

• Jobs
• Press Releases
• News
• Links
• Speeches
• Contact
• Council Minutes

20 October 2011

The Justice Minister David Ford has announced three Justice Champions at presentations at the Justice in the Community Awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings last night (19 October).

Among the winners of the awards was the Foyle Interface Monitoring Forum, which has developed initiatives to reduce sectarian tensions at interfaces areas in Derry as well as offering diversionary schemes for young people at risk of becoming involved in crime. Other winners were Rosemary Magill of Women’s Aid and Joe Turner of the Belfast Pastor Street Initiative.

David Ford said: “The Justice in the Community Awards bring together people from across Northern Ireland, from different backgrounds and different walks of life, who share the same goal - making their local communities safer.

“All of them work tirelessly, often away from the glare of publicity, to help others and we should never take their investment in making a difference for granted.

“We owe all the champions and everyone who gives up their time to make our communities safer a huge debt of gratitude.”

The awards attracted 58 nominees and as well as the three Justice Champions, five highly commended awards were also presented.


Notes to editors:

Justice Minister David Ford launched the first ‘Justice in the Community’ Awards on 6 June 2011. Some 58 nominations were received and were considered by an independent judging panel consisting of Baroness May Blood, Wendy Osborne, Volunteer Now and Dr Michael Maguire, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice.

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