Group inspiring adults with learning difficulties celebrates award nomination
Group inspiring adults with learning difficulties celebrates award nomination
Emma Orr - BBC News NISun, August 30, 2026 at 5:34 AM UTC
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Thomas Murray is a member of the Bridge Association
A group that has been inspiring adults with learning disabilities for more than 30 years, has been nominated for BBC Make a Difference Award.
The Bridge Association in County Antrim is a finalist in the Community Group Award category for Northern Ireland. Those behind the centre say they've no idea who put them forward.
Thomas Murray has been a trainee The Bridge Association for more than 15 years.
For him the organisation's message is simple: "Always try your best and look to the future."
Murray describes it as "a big family, with lots of love and headed up by the big bosses David and Jacqueline".
"If I was at home I would just be sitting watching TV, I'd miss this place," he said.
The organisation provides opportunities in retail, horticulture and catering, running two social enterprise projects — the Quirky Emporium and Hug a Mug Café in Antrim.
Founded by David Edmont and Jacqueline Barnes, it supports 43 adults.
They hope to accommodate more adults when their "forever home" at a new premises in the town is complete.
Edmont said the long term goal is to equip adults with the skills to live independently.
"Our success is when we see them living, taking that big step and living independently as a valued member of the community," he said.
Brenda loves having fun with the groups baking leaders
Brenda Delargy from Antrim has been attending the centre since it opened in 1988.
"I love the computer work – typing up newsletters and art and craft," she said.
Brenda is looking forward to the group's new centre being built.
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Daniel has made some great friends through the organisation
Daniel Ostler has attended the group full-time for three years.
"I love everything about it, the company, seeing the people, it gets you out and about, it's just a brilliant wee place.
"Everyday is a learning day. You just get smarter and smarter when you work in a place like this."
'Small things that make a big difference'
Jacqueline Barnes success for adults with learning disabilities can be "simply being able to write your name and read your name".
She says "it's very humbling and it gets very emotional.
"It's the small things that make a big difference.
"We have people here who can't use paper and pen but they can type on a computer.
"When you see them being able to produce their thoughts and their ideas and hand them to you, that gets very emotional."
Founders David Edmont and Jacqueline Barnes
Making the shortlist has come as a bit of a shock to the association.
"We don't know who nominated us.
"We're absolutely humbled to be in the final. We are shocked but as far as we are concerned we are already winners, we win every day – this would just be the icing on the cake," David added.
The Community Group Award
It is awarded to a group that has helped to change lives within their community.
The Bridge Association is one of four finalists in the category, along with:
Cancer Fund for Children Carefree Choir, the choir brings together families affected by cancer. It provides friendship, support and hope, while also giving back through performances that raise vital funds and awareness.
The Little Forget Me Nots Trust, supports families after the loss of a child through compassion and practical support.
CHILL (Carrickfergus Hub Improving Lives Locally), a mental health group offering support, connection and crisis prevention through counselling, community activities and outreach for both adults and young people.
Overall winners will be announced live on Vinny and Cate's BBC Radio Ulster show on Friday 25 September.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
