Live Here Love Here: Charles Sheils Community and Cullybackey Community Partnership recognised at annual awards
Charles Sheils Community has been announced as the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Regional Champion during the 2026 Live Here Love Here Awards.
The group was recognised for its outstanding 27-year commitment to caring for the historic Sheils Houses grounds in Carrickfergus.
Held on February 19 at Belfast City Hall and hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon, the Live Here Love Here Awards brought together community volunteers, council representatives, environmental organisations and partners to celebrate the vital role local people play in caring for Northern Ireland’s natural and built environment.
Delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the event recognises outstanding voluntary action tackling some of our most pressing environmental challenges, including littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change.
On the night, 13 awards were presented, including Regional Champion Awards for each participating council area, as well as three special awards recognising long-term impact, community inclusion and emerging environmental leadership: the Bright Future Award, the Community Together Award and the Lasting Contribution Award.
With more than 80 members and 25 weekly gardening volunteers, Charles Sheils Community maintains community green spaces, enhances biodiversity through tree care, composting and pollinator planting, and promotes sustainable ‘grow your own’ practices.
It also provides vital wellbeing activities for older residents and offers school fieldwork and volunteering opportunities, creating a thriving and inclusive community hub.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford said: “I am delighted to see Charles Shiels Community recognised as our Regional Champions. Their exceptional commitment to the care of such an historic local site is to be commended and makes the group worthy winners. It is also wonderful to see them bringing together of people of all ages, encouraging and supporting them in taking care of our green spaces. Congratulations to our Live Here Love Here winners, runners-up, and thank you to all those working to better our Borough and instil a sense of civic pride. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.”
Mid and East Antrim runner-up Cullybackey Community Partnership was praised for its year-round environmental stewardship, transforming the village through regular planting, tree care, litter picks and the creation of new green spaces, including a sensory community garden.
With 40 volunteers and strong links with local schools and youth groups, the partnership boosts biodiversity, strengthens community connection and supports wellbeing and village pride.
Speaking about the role of the awards in highlighting the impact of everyday community action, Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here manager said: “At a time when the biodiversity and climate crises can feel overwhelming, the Live Here Love Here Community Awards shine a light on what is possible when people come together to take action locally.
"Groups like Charles Sheils Community and Cullybackey Community Partnership show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference – from protecting wildlife and restoring habitats to reducing waste and enhancing shared green spaces. When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up.”