Streetreach Project scoops award for cleaning up Belfast with faith power

The Streetreach Project, which works to train and mobilise young people to share their faith while serving local communities in inner-city Belfast, has scooped this year’s Brighter Belfast Award in the anti-litter category.

Neville Willerton (project co-ordinator) and volunteers Ruth Petticrew and Sr Anne McCourt attended a gala dinner with around 140 other nominees held in Belfast City Hall. Church Army’s Chief Secretary, Philip Johanson commented: “This is an excellent accolade which supports the hard work and commitment that has led to Streetreach making such a difference for Belfast.”

Receiving the award on behalf of Streetreach Neville Willerton commented: “I am pleased to receive this award for the young people who have been recognised for the work they put into the project. It is great to see these young people get some positive recognition and to show others that this generation are committed to their city and want to make a practical difference to improve the situation for everyone. This year over 330 young people were on the streets of Belfast making a real difference by sweeping streets, giving away food and making time for the community - they did this without any payment to show that the only thing that matters is faith expressed through love.”

Streetreach is an initiative of Church Army and Summer Madness that works in partnership with local churches and community projects - especially in areas that are less well resourced. Various activities and projects take place during July championed by Streetreach teams of volunteers including cleaning the streets, painting positive wall murals and cleaning up graffiti, doing up gardens, taking the elderly on outings, hosting street parties and community barbecues and running events and activities for children.

For more information see www.streetreach.net.