Simon Community NI launched 2018 with a staff conference to outline the organisation's strategic priorities for the next five years.
This followed an extensive process throughout 2017 during which our 300+ staff were consulted by Senior Management on what they believed was important in moving forward positively as an organisation to end homelessness for people in need across Northern Ireland.
The priorities outlined were;
- To prevent homelessness
- To provide the right support at the right time for those who become homeless
- To offer options and solutions to end homelessness
- To develop, support and invest in our staff and volunteers
Attendees heard how the organisation plans to achieve these aims; based on the suggestions and feedback provided by teams during the 2017 Consultation Process.
The Simon Community NI staff then heard from the inspirational Mark Pollock about his journey through competitive sport, blindness, adventure expeditions, paralysis; and now his mission to find a cure for paralysis.
Simon Community NI Volunteer of the Year Noel Johnston then told the incredible story of his journey around Ireland, completing 40 marathons in 40 days to raise money for people experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland.
Finally, the first Simon Community NI Chairman's Awards took place - celebration employees from right across the organisation, and the efforts they make every day to end homelessness for people in need.
A great day was had by all and staff members left determined and focused on the overall aim of the organisation for the next five years - to end homelessness for those in need across Northern Ireland.
The full list of winner's and runner's up are as follows;
Support Worker of the Year
Winner
Eileen Dynes - Armagh
1st Runner Up
Carla Brazier - Saintfield Road
2nd Runner Up
Jackie Finnigan - Larne
Team of the Year
Winner
Newry
1st Runner Up
242 Antrim Road
2nd Runner Up
414 Falls Road
Leadership Award
Winner
Tracey Millar - Larne
1st Runner Up
Christina Howarth - 242 Antrim Road
2nd Runner up
Marianne McCaul - Newry
Community Engagement Award
Winner
James Dunbar - Portadown
Runner Up
Saintfield Road
Client Champion
Winner
Larry Gibb - Downpatrick
Runner Up
Jackie Finnigan - Larne
Innovation into Practice
Winner
Saintfield Road
Runner Up
HOME Team
Welcoming Project Award
Winner
Bonds Hill
Runner Up
Newry
Learner of the Year
Winner
James Goldie - Bonds Hill
Runner Up
Sharon Wright - Downpatrick
Long Service Awards
John-Paul Tumelty, Downpatrick
Valerie McKee, Finance
Davy Faulkner, Foyer
Emma Roberts, IT
Michelle Burns, Finance
