Health and Social Care entrepreneurs among UnLtd award winners

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today praised individuals from the health and social care sector for their commitment to making positive changes in their communities.

The Minister was presenting the UnLtd Millennium Awards to social entrepreneurs at the Hopelink Centre in North Belfast, which is home to RESTORE, a psychotherapeutic counselling service set up by UnLtd award winners.

UnLtd are a national charitable which seeks to support new social entrepreneurs in creating and developing their businesses. They work by attracting and assessing people on their personal talents and commitment, providing an individually tailored package of practical support by Development Managers, in addition to cash funding with the aim of enabling those who they invest in to become forces for sustainable social change.

The Health Minister said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all the award winners for their outstanding contribution in bringing about positive social change to our communities through innovative ideas, determination and sheer hard work.

“We are fortunate to have organisations such as UnLtd, InvestNI and the Social Economy Network which are able to provide guidance and support to new and developing social enterprises.

“We should all be very proud in Northern Ireland that we have such talented and dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in their communities.”

In Northern Ireland UnLTD have helped over 300 social entrepreneurs who have developed such projects as ‘the Bitler Foundation Centre for Substance Abuse and RESTORE’ where today’s presentation is being held.

Notes to editors:

1. More details about UnLTD and the awards they offer can be found online.
2. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0505. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Health and Social Care Award Winners

Fintan Connolly; 'Journey to my Safe Place' - Belfast Trust area

Emmet Devlin; Trial to demonstrate the beneficial impact that yoga can have on stress levels and overall health - Southern Trust area

Lynn Farr and Tanya Orr; RESTORE - Belfast Trust area

Christina James; To establish a riding school for children and adults with a physical and/or learning disability - Western Trust area

Catherine McHugh; ‘Fit For Life' - Belfast Trust area

Breda McGrenaghan; Cancer Connect - Western Trust area

Ann McIlroy; Greenlight Gateway - Northern Trust area

Jemma McLaughlin; Route to fitness - Northern Trust area

Christopher Sutton; Short film on HIV today - Belfast Trust area

Sally Taylor; The Hermitage Cottage - South Eastern Trust area

Debra Wilson; Bitler Foundation Centre for Substance Misuse - Northern Trust area

Thomas Whiteside; Casting Lines Changing Lives - Belfast Trust area