Northern Health and Social Care Trust shines at NI Local Government Awards 2025

The Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Bréanainn Lyness, pictured at the NI Local Government Awards 2025 with partners involved in the Autism Friendly Initiative, winner of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion award.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has been celebrated for its exemplary collaborative efforts in improving population health, securing significant recognition at the prestigious NI Local Government Awards 2025.

The Trust’s Health and Wellbeing team saw three innovative projects shortlisted, with the Autism Friendly Initiative, developed in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, clinching the top prize in the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion category.

Two further initiatives, the Causeway Healthy Kids project and the Family Support & Social Supermarket Programme, were named runners-up in multiple categories, underscoring the Trust’s commitment to fostering healthier, more inclusive communities through partnership working.

The awards, held annually to honour outstanding achievements in local government and public sector collaboration, highlighted the Trust’s pioneering approaches to addressing diverse health and social challenges across Northern Ireland.

Autism Friendly Initiative Triumphs

The Autism Friendly Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Northern Trust’s Autism Forum, led by Jayne Colville, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, was lauded for its transformative impact on creating inclusive environments for autistic individuals.

Supported by the Northern Area Autism Reference Group, the initiative aligns with the Council’s Community Plan, ‘Putting People First’, and focuses on equipping public services and businesses with the tools to become autism-friendly.

By fostering greater understanding and making practical accommodations, the programme ensures autistic individuals and their families feel welcomed and supported in community settings. The initiative’s success reflects the Trust’s dedication to equality and the power of collaborative partnerships in addressing the diverse needs of the population.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and shared vision of all involved,” said a spokesperson for the Trust. “It demonstrates how meaningful change can be achieved when we work together.”

Causeway Healthy Kids: A Beacon of Health Innovation

Project partners involved in the Causeway Healthy Kids project from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the Northern Health & Social Care Trust Dietetics department and Health & Wellbeing team pictured at the NI Local Government Awards 2025. The project was runner-up in both the Service Innovation & Improvement and Collaborative Partnership awards.

The Causeway Healthy Kids project, a joint endeavour with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, was named runner-up in both the Service Innovation & Improvement and Collaborative Partnership categories.

Spearheaded by Sandra Anderson’s Healthy Lifestyle Partnership, the programme targets obesity prevention and promotes physical activity among school-aged children.

Delivered over 11 weeks, the initiative combines sports, nutrition education, and ‘Take 5’ emotional wellbeing sessions to instil healthy habits and enhance mental resilience.

Since its inception, the programme has engaged 60 schools and reached 1,609 participants, yielding measurable improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption, hydration awareness, and understanding of food labelling. The inclusion of Take 5 education has also bolstered emotional wellbeing, equipping children with tools to navigate life’s challenges.

“This programme is a shining example of how innovative collaboration can drive meaningful health outcomes,” said Hugh Nelson, Head of Community Wellbeing at the Northern Trust. “By working closely with our council partners, we’re empowering the next generation to lead healthier lives.”

Family Support & Social Supermarket Programme: Tackling Poverty and Hardship

In the Engaging Communities category, the Family Support & Social Supermarket Programme, developed with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Save the Children, was recognised as runner-up for its vital role in supporting vulnerable families.

Led by Kate McDermott from the Health and Wellbeing team, the programme emerged as an emergency response during the pandemic and has since evolved into a year-round lifeline for families grappling with financial, physical, and emotional hardships, exacerbated by the rising cost of living.

By 2022, the initiative had expanded across the Northern Trust area, providing vouchers, household essentials, and educational toys to 313 families and 659 children. A significant proportion of beneficiaries are lone-parent families, those with health conditions, or households facing financial hardship.

The programme’s holistic approach not only alleviates immediate pressures but also fosters resilience and strengthens community ties.

“The Family Support Programme demonstrates the profound impact of partnership working,” Mr. Nelson noted. “By combining resources and expertise, we’re able to offer sustainable support that makes a real difference to families in need.”

A Commitment to Collaborative Excellence

The Northern Trust’s success at the NI Local Government Awards 2025 highlights the strength of its collaborative partnerships with local councils and organisations like Save the Children. Each of the shortlisted projects exemplifies innovative approaches to tackling pressing health and social issues, from promoting inclusivity for autistic individuals to addressing childhood obesity and supporting families in crisis.

Reflecting on the achievements, Mr. Nelson expressed immense pride in the Health and Wellbeing team’s efforts.

“These nominations and awards are a recognition of our team’s dedication to collaboration and its positive impact on population health,” he said. “Together with our council partners, we are building healthier, more inclusive communities, and I want to congratulate everyone involved in this ongoing success.”

As the Northern Trust continues to implement and expand these initiatives, its work serves as a model for how collaborative partnerships can drive transformative change, ensuring that communities across Northern Ireland are better equipped to thrive in the face of modern challenges.

Published: 20 April 2025