Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network shortlisted for prestigious UK award

Mid and East Antrim’s Loneliness Network was shortlisted in the 2022 National MJ Local Government Achievement Awards, under the ‘Delivering Better Outcomes’ category.

These awards show support to the wonderful council teams across the country for their amazing work helping their communities through the past year with Mid & East Antrim Borough Council nominating the Loneliness Network for an award.

After receiving thousands of nominations, from councils from all over the UK, Council’s application was shortlisted to the final six.

Alderman Tommy Nicholl MBE represented the Borough at the ceremony on Friday afternoon.

He said: “These awards are held each year with great success, rewarding exceptional work and frontline delivery. They not only recognise great work over the last 12 months, but also allows organisations to share their expertise with their peers.

“Council’s successful application focussed on the work of Mid and East Antrim’s Loneliness Network, particularly around the time of the pandemic lockdowns when loneliness was felt by everyone in our community. Launched in December 2019, their aim was to support people to live well within cohesive and well- connected communities. To date, a number of innovative projects has been rolled out in our borough through the Network. They include a suite of projects such as Chatty Benches, Chatty Cafes, ‘Connected’ Chatty Walks , distribution of android tablets to local vulnerable people and families during the pandemic, a social media and bus campaign highlighting loneliness issues and a webinar discussing loneliness in children and young people.

“For me it was a great achievement to attend the award ceremony on behalf of the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network as it not only promotes the achievements made, but it also provides staff with the recognition they truly deserve.”

Readers can learn more about the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network at: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/MEALonelinessNetwork.